Who can I talk to about depression & anxiety??

pxygrl · 10-27-2006, 08:12 PM

I've never known anyone who's been treated for depression so I'm not sure where to start. It took me a long time to realize that what I am experiencing is some serious depression and anxiety. I really thought it would pass but this has been getting worse over the past year so I really think I need to see someone about it. I just don't seem to be capable of doing anything anymore. I don't feel like taking care of the house or playing with my daughter or even taking care of myself most of the time. I do struggle against it and try to do as much with my daughter as I can. It's hard to do much else though. I can't stand living like this any longer. It's putting a huge strain on me and on my family. I am not myself at all anymore.

I'm not sure who to call though and I am really nervous about it. I get really bad phone anxiety as it is so it's hard for me to call people sometimes. The only doctor I see on a regular basis is my ObGyn since we are ttc. I've not wanted to say anything to her about it since I was scared she'd want us to stop ttc if I said I was depressed. I'm not sick very often and have only been to my family doctor twice this year. I've seen him once and the NP the other time. I don't know that I care much for him but I liked the NP.

I don't need a referral to see a psychiatrist so if that's the best route to go please let me know. I was just concerned that might be expensive and my insurance only covers 70%.

Any advice would be great, thanks!

PBLayzod · 10-27-2006, 08:23 PM

I think your GYN would completely understand about the depression. Even if you're not inclinded toward depression to start with, a few months/years of ttc can really bring it on. If you don't want to mention it to him/her try your GP. They can prescribe something to get you headed towards feeling better. I recommend seeing a psychiatrist for ongoing treatment, but it can sometimes take a while to get that first appointment. The GP would be a MUCH faster route. Also, the GP can recommend a psychiatrist their patients have had success with. The psychiatrist can always adjust things if they don't like what the GP prescribed or the dosage. Call someone taday. That way you'll have gotten the phone call part of it over with. If you just can't make the call, see if DH can make the appointment for you. Most Dr's have let me do this for my DH.

Take care of yourself, sweetie.

HOLLAND · 10-27-2006, 09:13 PM

I went to my reg. Dr and he gave me Lexapro. It has helped me a lot. I am actaully starting to come off of it. I only have 2 pills left.

Depression can definatly get you down. I'm sure either you're GYN or reg Dr can help you.

Take Care

pxygrl · 10-27-2006, 11:42 PM

Thanks ladies!

I have an appointment to see my ObGyn on Monday after I go for my u/s anyway. So I think while I am there I'm just going to bring it up.

Any ideas on how to broach the subject? I was thinking of something like "I've been feeling really depressed since we started TTC and it's getting worse the longer we try without any success. Is there anything you might be able to give me to help with that?" Does that sound ok??

PBLayzod · 10-28-2006, 08:28 PM

I think that's a great intro. Good Luck!

pxygrl · 12-04-2006, 04:37 PM

Hi ladies!

I just wanted to update this real quick. I did speak to my obgyn and she wouldn't give me anything for the depression/anxiety, she said she'd prefer I wasn't on anything like that while I was ttc. I did tell her I know many women who are ttc are on something for depression but she wouldn't help me. So I called and got an appt with my PCP and finally saw him today. He was really sweet about it and said it's really common and not to feel ashamed or guilty about any of it. He said out of every 10 patients he treats each day 2 of them are usually there for depression and he seemed to know a lot about it. He's decided to start me out on Prozac and see if that helps. He said usually most patients respond well to it but if it wasn't right for me we can try something else later. I am so excited I finally spoke to someone about this and he was so understanding. After my gyn's response to it I was so scared he'd blow me off too.

Thanks again for all the support and advice!!

LucyLu · 12-05-2006, 12:44 PM

Good for you. You've taken that first step, and now, while you still have a road to travel you know you are not alone.
Good luck with the med, remember it does take time for it to kick in, and hey just need to vent we are here.

Suzyve · 12-05-2006, 01:46 PM

I have suffered from depression for years and I have tried many different treatments. I would suggest seeing a psychologist first. Anti depressants have many many bad and long term side effects, and for me personally they put me on a roller coaster ride. I tried them for 10 years, all of them. What helps most are positive friends, a cognitive therapist, journaling, lots of exercise and most of all keeping in mind that this shall pass! IT WILL!!
Good Luck! You Can Clear This UP!

annem84 · 12-06-2006, 02:22 PM

I would try a Therapist or a Psychologist. A Psychologist cant put you on meds but a Psychiatrist can. I've been seeing a Therapist for 18 months and went from being suicidal (literally, had pills counted out and everything) to being somewhat normal and functioning again. I even had people come up to me and say they talk to a Therapist once a month just because they aren't judgemental. If you have phone anxiety--do you have somebody you trust to make a call for you and see if you can meet them in person. The place I go to is freaking wonderful.