Depression due to circumstances

PeacefulWaters

Last time I sought counselling via my GP i was asked two questions.

1) do you think about suicide?
2) are you likely to physically harm anybody?

When I said "no" to both I got a beta blocker prescription.

BrassicWoman

Why so down on pills?

When you are overwhelmed sometimes what you need is to calm your brain down so only the useful thoughts are in it....

FBaby

I do think that talking things through to help with your feelings of low self-esteem can help, but at the same time, don't beat yourself too much for feeling battered as you’ve gone through events that would lead even the most confident person feeling like it has been slurped out of them. Confidence does come within oneself, but only to some extent. The environment and what we experience will also directly impact on how positive we feel about ourselves.

Do go and see your GP, you have nothing to lose doing so, at worse you’ll be where you are now, at best, he might refer you for counselling. It sounds to me that what you might need to focus is your feeling of fear that you have missed out on the life you’d imagined and hoped for. It is about considering that not only that might not be the case, but that even if it is, life doesn’t have to take the most common track to bring you happiness.

VfM4meplse

PeacefulWaters wrote: »

Last time I sought counselling via my GP i was asked two questions.

1) do you think about suicide?
2) are you likely to physically harm anybody?

When I said "no" to both I got a beta blocker prescription.

I can't belive there wasn't more to it than that.

heartbreak_star

BrassicWoman wrote: »

Why so down on pills?

When you are overwhelmed sometimes what you need is to calm your brain down so only the useful thoughts are in it....

This. You wouldn't turn down meds for tonsillitis, so why should something to rebalance your brain chems be any different??

HBS x

PeacefulWaters

VfM4meplse wrote: »

I can't belive there wasn't more to it than that.

That is pretty much it. Two years ago.

Gaia2014

PeacefulWaters wrote: »

You might find approaching them with a slightly different set of issues gets you six more .

That did cross my mind actually. It would be even better if I was given the same counsellor again (she was good). But, I doubt that would happen.

Gaia2014

VfM4meplse wrote: »

Not true. A good GP will be able to listen and make a treatment selection WITH you. Also successive governments have ploughed millions into IAPT, with good reason. I wouldn't pay privately if I were in debt. The issue might be the wait, though.

I've made an appointment with my GP on Monday. I have a feeling I won't be offered pills by this particular GP because he's not recommended them to me before. But, I also know that there isn't any GP counselling service. So pills might be the option if he deems me to be depressed.

However, I tend to give the impression that I'm coping better when I'm inside the consulting room because I'm not very good at displaying my emotions in public.

I'll try to tell him how it is for me and see what happens.

Gaia2014

FBaby wrote: »

I do think that talking things through to help with your feelings of low self-esteem can help, but at the same time, don't beat yourself too much for feeling battered as you’ve gone through events that would lead even the most confident person feeling like it has been slurped out of them. Confidence does come within oneself, but only to some extent. The environment and what we experience will also directly impact on how positive we feel about ourselves.

Do go and see your GP, you have nothing to lose doing so, at worse you’ll be where you are now, at best, he might refer you for counselling. It sounds to me that what you might need to focus is your feeling of fear that you have missed out on the life you’d imagined and hoped for. It is about considering that not only that might not be the case, but that even if it is, life doesn’t have to take the most common track to bring you happiness.

Appointment made for Monday.

You are right, it is the fear that I may have missed out on the life I'd imagined for myself that is the issue here.

If I was 10 years younger I don't think I'd be feeling this way. But, 10 years ago I had a more active social life, felt more optimistic about the future and lived for the day.
I want to remain optimistic that it's not too late, but it's hard to get out there when I feel this way. Catch 22.

Gaia2014

bagpussbear wrote: »

Hi Gaia

Firstly wanted to give you a hug. You've been through quite a lot in a short time and I am not surprised you feel defeated by life a bit.

It is possible that the doctor may give you pills, but it doesn't sound like that's what you necessarily want.

I wonder if the best thing to help you at this time is addressing the loneliness. It's such a horrid thing. You mentioned a dwindling social circle, but do you have anyone close, friends or family, you could spend more time with? more importantly anyone you enjoy spending time with?

Thank you bagpussbear.

The loneliness is defintely the issue besides wanting to find a partner and have a family. Sadly, there is no escape from this because there are reminders everywhere. I struggle with this on a daily basis (especially at weekends).

I do have one or two close friends but one of them has now moved to the other end of the country and the other has her own problems. My other friends have moved on with their lives. The ones with children I avoid. Self preservation I suppose. But, our respective lives are so different now.

My situation is made more difficult due to finanical constraints. Which means I can't afford to go on holiday at the moment or visit friends further away.

It's the here and now I struggle with the most. Hence, I feel that I am left with no option, but to approach my GP. I had a lovely counsellor quite recenlty. But, I can not afford the £50 fee. I have to prioritsie repayment of my debts anyway. Otherwise, things are definitely not going to change.

I will get there and as the saying goes, this too will pass.