Depression

[JumpingAnaconda]

I have said this elsewhere, but GPs should not be diagnosing depression or prescribing medication for it. The NHS's mental health policies are completely arse about face. Between 2000 and 2010 I was offered anti-depressant medication around 20 times by various GPs when no actual diagnosis was made. It was not until 2010 that I was actually referred to a mental health doctor, who then made a diagnosis which helped, but the various GPs had missed that I had a simple physiological medical problem that was not diagnosed fully until last year, and which is resolved by taken prescribed vitamin D supplement.

In my opinion GP's should by thinking like this:

1) The GP is not going to be the person to solve this. They are just going to make the initial assessment and medical tests and then pass the individual to mental health experts.
2) Are there life events or situations that could be making the person miserable? If so, some mental health special theraphy might be part of the solutions.
3) Are there any potential medical factors? Routinely do bloods tests, including vitamin D, and parathyroid hormone, thyroid, and so on. Either way, do the tests check the levels, call the patient to discuss if there are findings, and also pass the patient to mental health specialists for a mental health checkup.
4) Is the patient looking after themselves in regards to drugs and alcohol and diet? Again, assess the medical impact of this, refer to the relevant drugs/alcohol/diet specialists.

GPs should be the first point of contact and only have a remit for the medical aspect. No GP should be allowed to give anti-depressant medication to patients. GPs do not have the skills or time available to them to be able to make an adequate assessment in this regard.

 

[Skandhaless]

I would say that I've not been depressed as I've seen people who are clinically depressed and they can hardly get out of bed, but I suppose there is different levels. I have wondered if I was depressed a few times, sometimes I've had very dark thoughts that I've had to put out of my head, not often but enough to make me wonder. I do think there are too many of us wondering around thinking we are depressed when we just aren't happy for some reason. I know where mine comes from, over work, take me away from work and it all goes away, so I suppose it shouldn't be too difficult to overcome, but you can get trapped in a cycle of work that's hard to get out of.

Putting my phone down and getting off Facebook would also probably help. I also go to bed at night with headphones in to drown out tinnitus, but it means I never have silence ever, I'd kill for some total silence.

You must be logged on to see external links

You must be logged on to see media items

might get you £10 of improvement at least

the link is recent modest trial

I have said this elsewhere, but GPs should not be diagnosing depression or prescribing medication for it. The NHS's mental health policies are completely arse about face. Between 2000 and 2010 I was offered anti-depressant medication around 20 times by various GPs when no actual diagnosis was made. It was not until 2010 that I was actually referred to a mental health doctor, who then made a diagnosis which helped, but the various GPs had missed that I had a simple physiological medical problem that was not diagnosed fully until last year, and which is resolved by taken prescribed vitamin D supplement.

In my opinion GP's should by thinking like this:

1) The GP is not going to be the person to solve this. They are just going to make the initial assessment and medical tests and then pass the individual to mental health experts.
2) Are there life events or situations that could be making the person miserable? If so, some mental health special theraphy might be part of the solutions.
3) Are there any potential medical factors? Routinely do bloods tests, including vitamin D, and parathyroid hormone, thyroid, and so on. Either way, do the tests check the levels, call the patient to discuss if there are findings, and also pass the patient to mental health specialists for a mental health checkup.
4) Is the patient looking after themselves in regards to drugs and alcohol and diet? Again, assess the medical impact of this, refer to the relevant drugs/alcohol/diet specialists.

GPs should be the first point of contact and only have a remit for the medical aspect. No GP should be allowed to give anti-depressant medication to patients. GPs do not have the skills or time available to them to be able to make an adequate assessment in this regard.

Aye mate your right , fund the NHS fully and that would work , think 10x the cost initially though minimum , that's if we already had the medics .

The waiting list to see a "mental health doctor " is already months long once your identified and triaged , how long would it be if they were responsible for all initial diagnosis ?

 

[JumpingAnaconda]

I would say that I've not been depressed as I've seen people who are clinically depressed and they can hardly get out of bed, but I suppose there is different levels. I have wondered if I was depressed a few times, sometimes I've had very dark thoughts that I've had to put out of my head, not often but enough to make me wonder. I do think there are too many of us wondering around thinking we are depressed when we just aren't happy for some reason. I know where mine comes from, over work, take me away from work and it all goes away, so I suppose it shouldn't be too difficult to overcome, but you can get trapped in a cycle of work that's hard to get out of.

Putting my phone down and getting off Facebook would also probably help. I also go to bed at night with headphones in to drown out tinnitus, but it means I never have silence ever, I'd kill for some total silence.

You are describing one of the problems I have with 'depression' diagnosis. There are so many people being diagnosed as suffering from depression, when actually, they just have a lot of crap things happening that they are struggling to deal with. This can lead to depression in the long term, but actually what a lot of people need is to change things around and to develop strategies to deal and put into perspective the problems they are having, or just process the events that are upsetting them. Either way there is a clear link between the unhappy state of mind and life events. I believe this is an entirely different thing to depression where everything can be plain sailing yet you are in an inexplicable state fatigue, sadness and hopelessness. I personally believe that most cases like that will have a biological pathology, be it as yet unknown side effects of acquired illnesses and infections, or as with me where I have a congenital difference in my liver that means certain hormones go bonkers unless I take a supplement.

I have been in a state where stepping out of my bed and walking across the room was a horrible feeling, like every step was an orgasm of sadness. When people talk freely of being 'depressed' and then start listing the events that are making them 'depressed' I tend to stop them and say I don't think they are depression, they are sad, and they are right to be sad because sad things are happening, and it is a sad, sad world. When sad things happen you need to process them and you will feel sad and different a lot of the time, and you might not ever get back to the more carefree feeling of before. But that is life, and the older you get the more likely you are to face these things and be sad about them. Then you adjust and carry on. But this process is part of living, it is not necessarily a defect of your mind, it is part of the process of dealing with it. If it throws you into an unstable state and being unable to function, that is a different thing that you might be able to call depression, but 'depression' is not 'sad'.

 

[Joe Public]

Great posts @JumpingAnaconda, thanks for taking the time to post that mate, good luck to you.

 

[Pot Noodle]

Read the numerous threads on here (and I'm speaking from experience with my dad) and you'll soon see the one common effect of depression is locking yourself away and not talking to anyone let alone explaining every single detail of what has caused it.


No, surely he just had to do his job. What he is trained and paid for.

They are doing their job. Very often under incredibly difficult circumstances. If someone comes into the GP, lists a number of symptoms of depression, but who may not be genuinely depressed why should they be treated any differently to someone who genuinely is but tells the GP they are suffering from the same symptoms. It's an absolute minefield man. Agree it would be better if it wasn't like that but how on earth can a GP win in that situation. Same again for mental health services. I see people who I suspect are pulling a fast one but if even one of them were to be discharged then harm themselves afterwards I could lose everything. I'd rather be safe than sorry and I'm sure many GP's would think the same way.

 

[Silverfox1981]

You are describing one of the problems I have with 'depression' diagnosis. There are so many people being diagnosed as suffering from depression, when actually, they just have a lot of crap things happening that they are struggling to deal with. This can lead to depression in the long term, but actually what a lot of people need is to change things around and to develop strategies to deal and put into perspective the problems they are having, or just process the events that are upsetting them. Either way there is a clear link between the unhappy state of mind and life events. I believe this is an entirely different thing to depression where everything can be plain sailing yet you are in an inexplicable state fatigue, sadness and hopelessness. I personally believe that most cases like that will have a biological pathology, be it as yet unknown side effects of acquired illnesses and infections, or as with me where I have a congenital difference in my liver that means certain hormones go bonkers unless I take a supplement.

I have been in a state where stepping out of my bed and walking across the room was a horrible feeling, like every step was an orgasm of sadness. When people talk freely of being 'depressed' and then start listing the events that are making them 'depressed' I tend to stop them and say I don't think they are depression, they are sad, and they are right to be sad because sad things are happening, and it is a sad, sad world. When sad things happen you need to process them and you will feel sad and different a lot of the time, and you might not ever get back to the more carefree feeling of before. But that is life, and the older you get the more likely you are to face these things and be sad about them. Then you adjust and carry on. But this process is part of living, it is not necessarily a defect of your mind, it is part of the process of dealing with it. If it throws you into an unstable state and being unable to function, that is a different thing that you might be able to call depression, but 'depression' is not 'sad'.

You are absolutely 100% on the money with the way you sum it up here mate. I've seen literally hundreds of people who sit in front of me and say they're "depressed". As soon as I set eyes on someone I can tell if they're "depressed" or just a bit sad or down on their luck making them feel bad. A depressed person in nearly all circumstances isn't well turned out with clean clothes, a bloke who is clean shaven or a woman with make up on with nice hair to make herself look presentable. They don't crack a joke they don't talk in an upbeat manner about how they've done this and that. Life is hard and we all have good days and bad days but to many these days that equates to bi polar or mood swings rather than just accepting that that the rhythm of life isn't always constant and is and will always be changing.

 

[Her Ivory Tower]

It's these type of cases that make most people cynical when people are really depressed. It's easy to fool doctors anarl. I was signed off work after my marriage failed, I didn't have depression, just felt down in the dumps.

Mental illness is easy to put on. And I imagine theirs a large portion of people currently taking anti-depressants don't have depression at all.

Some people think they are suffering from "Stress" if they have a hectic day and from "Depression" if they have a a couple of miserable days. People like this don't have a clue about Mental Illness.

 

[Deleted member 664]

When I was depressed it was horrible to live with. I was horrible to live with. I could go three days quite easily without any food. Motivation to do anything was a problem and, I suppose just existed with my job. Spending two years with a daily thought of wanting to kill myself because I felt so utterly worthless as a human being was not much fun. Not my lowest moment, but one of them, was waking up on a Saturday morning knowing that the house would soon be empty. I spent the next half an hour wondering if the top of the stairs would be a good place to hang myself from. I can promise you that it is not nice to be there, but kept on telling myself that I was not depressed. I didn't do it because I have two kids. That is pretty horrible really (they are canny really and it is very cool being a dad), the only reason not to do it is because you do not want them to grow up to think why did he do that? Emotionally it means that you are pretty empty.

It only started to get better when I went to my GP. I hated taking tablets as disassociation is absolutely strange. Imagine having a conversation with someone and you are perfectly lucid. However, you are watching this conversation as if you are in the top corner of the room. And, please don't ask me about the other side effects. We'll leave the two penny bits out of this one. Also, as I lost so much weight. Not eating for three days at a time has this effect, I became frail. That takes its toll. However, kept at them and they helped me to an extent, but exercise helped more. Just walking for a couple of hours with the dog is really helping. Therapy has also helped. Oh look at him, he has a therapist, pathetic. Oh how 90's cool. Yeah, but opening up, and I find it dead hard to do this, has been revealing about issues that I did not know even existed. I'm not taking tablets now, but I make sure that I get at least one walk a day. I also find it easier to talk, and not bottle things up and that is good.

Would recommend going to GP as the first step for anyone who feels they may be depressed. Also be honest with your GP. This makes me a right hypocrite as I was economical with the truth about some of my thoughts as was scared about getting sectioned. However, good luck.

 

[peil]

When I was depressed it was horrible to live with. I was horrible to live with. I could go three days quite easily without any food. Motivation to do anything was a problem and, I suppose just existed with my job. Spending two years with a daily thought of wanting to kill myself because I felt so utterly worthless as a human being was not much fun. Not my lowest moment, but one of them, was waking up on a Saturday morning knowing that the house would soon be empty. I spent the next half an hour wondering if the top of the stairs would be a good place to hang myself from. I can promise you that it is not nice to be there, but kept on telling myself that I was not depressed. I didn't do it because I have two kids. That is pretty horrible really (they are canny really and it is very cool being a dad), the only reason not to do it is because you do not want them to grow up to think why did he do that? Emotionally it means that you are pretty empty.

It only started to get better when I went to my GP. I hated taking tablets as disassociation is absolutely strange. Imagine having a conversation with someone and you are perfectly lucid. However, you are watching this conversation as if you are in the top corner of the room. And, please don't ask me about the other side effects. We'll leave the two penny bits out of this one. Also, as I lost so much weight. Not eating for three days at a time has this effect, I became frail. That takes its toll. However, kept at them and they helped me to an extent, but exercise helped more. Just walking for a couple of hours with the dog is really helping. Therapy has also helped. Oh look at him, he has a therapist, pathetic. Oh how 90's cool. Yeah, but opening up, and I find it dead hard to do this, has been revealing about issues that I did not know even existed. I'm not taking tablets now, but I make sure that I get at least one walk a day. I also find it easier to talk, and not bottle things up and that is good.

Would recommend going to GP as the first step for anyone who feels they may be depressed. Also be honest with your GP. This makes me a right hypocrite as I was economical with the truth about some of my thoughts as was scared about getting sectioned. However, good luck.

This is one of the best descriptions I've read on here about the journey back. Keep at it mate.

 

[Deleted member 664]

This is one of the best descriptions I've read on here about the journey back. Keep at it mate.

Thank you. It is up and down, mate. What helps is having the tools to manage it. Had a truly awful day a couple of days ago. Previously, would have got pissed, as that really sorts it, and been a bastard. Instead, took some time to think about the issues. Talked to my mrs and put a plan into action that will make our life simpler and more positive. Spent today out walking with the family at a National Trust place at Seaton Delaval. Felt great watching magic shows and watching my 3 year old get a flower balloon. Watching my kids eat an ice cream brought me joy that would not have been there not so long ago. I'm off for a walk in a minute with the dog

 

[Frijj]

We don't do ourselves any favours in this modern life, sitting staring at screens all day and wasting time on here, or worrying about what we don't have that we think will make us feel better. It's thoroughly unrewarding.

A great explanation I read is that we spend our lives making sure that the pixels on a screen are in the right order and if they're not then bad things happen.

Logon or register to see this image

 

[Shack]

I think real depression should be called something else. People say 'I'm feeling depressed' when they mean sad / pissed off / miserable.

Actual clinical depression which feels completely different shouldn't have the same label imho as people who don't know what it's like assume they are the same thing.

 

[johnson]

I get depressed when I have to go to work. I wonder if I could get that recognised as a medical condition?

doesn't sound like depression to me mate, it doesn't come and go at the flick of a switch. I wish it did.

I think real depression should be called something else. People say 'I'm feeling depressed' when they mean sad / pissed off / miserable.

Actual clinical depression which feels completely different shouldn't have the same label imho as people who don't know what it's like assume they are the same thing.

Yep well said.

I don't think there is a word that can do clinical depression justice. "Hell" maybe?

 

[Deleted member 664]

doesn't sound like depression to me mate, it doesn't come and go at the flick of a switch. I wish it did.



Yep well said.

I don't think there is a word that can do clinical depression justice. "Hell" maybe?

Probably close

 

[Skandhaless]

When I was depressed it was horrible to live with. I was horrible to live with. I could go three days quite easily without any food. Motivation to do anything was a problem and, I suppose just existed with my job. Spending two years with a daily thought of wanting to kill myself because I felt so utterly worthless as a human being was not much fun. Not my lowest moment, but one of them, was waking up on a Saturday morning knowing that the house would soon be empty. I spent the next half an hour wondering if the top of the stairs would be a good place to hang myself from. I can promise you that it is not nice to be there, but kept on telling myself that I was not depressed. I didn't do it because I have two kids. That is pretty horrible really (they are canny really and it is very cool being a dad), the only reason not to do it is because you do not want them to grow up to think why did he do that? Emotionally it means that you are pretty empty.

It only started to get better when I went to my GP. I hated taking tablets as disassociation is absolutely strange. Imagine having a conversation with someone and you are perfectly lucid. However, you are watching this conversation as if you are in the top corner of the room. And, please don't ask me about the other side effects. We'll leave the two penny bits out of this one. Also, as I lost so much weight. Not eating for three days at a time has this effect, I became frail. That takes its toll. However, kept at them and they helped me to an extent, but exercise helped more. Just walking for a couple of hours with the dog is really helping. Therapy has also helped. Oh look at him, he has a therapist, pathetic. Oh how 90's cool. Yeah, but opening up, and I find it dead hard to do this, has been revealing about issues that I did not know even existed. I'm not taking tablets now, but I make sure that I get at least one walk a day. I also find it easier to talk, and not bottle things up and that is good.

Would recommend going to GP as the first step for anyone who feels they may be depressed. Also be honest with your GP. This makes me a right hypocrite as I was economical with the truth about some of my thoughts as was scared about getting sectioned. However, good luck.

Stick in johnny , you're heading in the right direction mate .

 

[Deleted member 664]

Stick in johnny , you're heading in the right direction mate .

I would like to think that there is progress, Skand, marra. Thank you for the positive words. Believe me, when someone on the internet posts something positive to you, it does give you a shot in the arm, me marra.

 

[Harry Monk]

I work with some people who bring it up how they suffer from depression at the drop of a hat to everyone and anyone who will listen.

Not sure if I'm being harsh but this really annoys me

 

[TimBirch]

When I was depressed it was horrible to live with. I was horrible to live with. I could go three days quite easily without any food. Motivation to do anything was a problem and, I suppose just existed with my job. Spending two years with a daily thought of wanting to kill myself because I felt so utterly worthless as a human being was not much fun. Not my lowest moment, but one of them, was waking up on a Saturday morning knowing that the house would soon be empty. I spent the next half an hour wondering if the top of the stairs would be a good place to hang myself from. I can promise you that it is not nice to be there, but kept on telling myself that I was not depressed. I didn't do it because I have two kids. That is pretty horrible really (they are canny really and it is very cool being a dad), the only reason not to do it is because you do not want them to grow up to think why did he do that? Emotionally it means that you are pretty empty.

It only started to get better when I went to my GP. I hated taking tablets as disassociation is absolutely strange. Imagine having a conversation with someone and you are perfectly lucid. However, you are watching this conversation as if you are in the top corner of the room. And, please don't ask me about the other side effects. We'll leave the two penny bits out of this one. Also, as I lost so much weight. Not eating for three days at a time has this effect, I became frail. That takes its toll. However, kept at them and they helped me to an extent, but exercise helped more. Just walking for a couple of hours with the dog is really helping. Therapy has also helped. Oh look at him, he has a therapist, pathetic. Oh how 90's cool. Yeah, but opening up, and I find it dead hard to do this, has been revealing about issues that I did not know even existed. I'm not taking tablets now, but I make sure that I get at least one walk a day. I also find it easier to talk, and not bottle things up and that is good.

Would recommend going to GP as the first step for anyone who feels they may be depressed. Also be honest with your GP. This makes me a right hypocrite as I was economical with the truth about some of my thoughts as was scared about getting sectioned. However, good luck.

Pleased to hear that you're doing well, marra.

 

[ShoutyBearHead]

I think real depression should be called something else. People say 'I'm feeling depressed' when they mean sad / pissed off / miserable.

I think it would be a huge step forward if this was the case

 

[Deleted member 664]

Pleased to hear that you're doing well, marra.

Cheers Tim, marra. Ah think that we have a kind of similar sense of humour. Imagine waking up and thinking what have I done? Think we have all been there once or twice before. Anyway, this wake up is after a rather long sleep. Now, I know that there are some on here who would say that I am playing a victim card. I'm not. I have thought about killing myself every day for two years until about six months ago. It is a dark place. In the last six months my cousin was murdered and my pet was killed in the same week. I could deal with it ok, especially as my wife is with me. I have driven her to the ends of hell I suppose, although she has a canny way with words also. However, we are about to snuggle up and watch Shawshank together. Might even be a kiss and tongues at some point. We have been through a lot, but are on the other side.