how do i tell my doctor i'm depressed

\u00a9 2023 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. % of people told us that this article helped them. But if, for instance, you've had a stubborn infection that won't clear up, it helps your doctor to know that you didn't finish the antibiotic they prescribed. Much of the communication between doctor and patient is personal. Well send you updates and information about our work and how you can support us. Its normal to feel anxious sometimes. How do I tell the doctor that I think I have depression? Talk to your family doctor to find out if this information applies to you and to get more information on this subject. BMC Med. First, your doctor will perform a physical exam and run several different blood tests to rule out other conditions that might be causing your symptoms. Some people don't communicate because they're concerned with being a "good patient" or they're embarrassed. Your family doctor is a good place to start. Our Good Appointment Guide will help you prepare, know what to ask, and know what to. The doctor isn't going to call and say "Guess what I've got this amazing thing that will make you feel better". Often they just don't think their marital problems, anxiety, or worries are fodder for their cholesterol checkup. Medical Reviewers confirm the content is thorough and accurate, reflecting the latest evidence-based research. It is important to understand that problems with memory, depression, sexual function, and incontinence are not necessarily normal parts of aging. Its how we respond to feeling threatened, under pressure or stressed: for example if we have an exam, job interview or doctors appointment. Healthline Media does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. And if you didn't understand everything? ", "I feel like it would be helpful to see a specialist. These could be signs of depression, which is a medical condition. At your annual doctor's checkup, you hop up on the exam table and bare your deepest secrets. The .gov means its official. For example, adding exercise (even small amounts) to your daily routine can improve mood. There are state laws that require doctors to share information when there is a concern about someone possibly getting hurt. Are there other possible situations, psychological issues or physical health problems that could be causing or worsening my anxiety? Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) affects most people in the winter, but for a minority can caus For those experiencing depression, the future may feel hopeless. Likewise, certain weight loss supplements could have cardiac implications for someone with heart disease. Tell your doctor how the symptoms affect your daily life and ability to function. Seeking help is the first step towards recovery, explains Grange. Rachel Goldman, PhD FTOS, is a licensed psychologist, clinical assistant professor, speaker, wellness expert specializing ineating behaviors, stress management, and health behavior change. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. National Library of Medicinewww.medlineplus.gov, National Association for Continence 212-741-2247info@sageusa.orgwww.sageusa.org. The depression test will give you an idea as to whether you are suffering from depressive symptoms; however, as depression is a complex mental health problem, you should not rely on this test to diagnose your condition. Left untreated, it can get worse, lead to other health problems, or last for a long time. All rights reserved. You might not feel comfortable talking to your doctor about any mental or emotional problems you are having. You know yourself better than anyone, and you can be your own health advocate. 800-877-8339 (TTY)ocpostoffice@niaid.nih.govwww.niaid.nih.gov, National Institute of Mental Health If you haven't been feeling like yourself and think you might be depressed, start by scheduling an appointment with a primary care physician. While it might feel difficult at first to talk to your doctor about your feelings of depression, having this discussion is an important first step toward improving your well-being. Nancy Schimelpfening, MS is the administrator for the non-profit depression support group Depression Sanctuary. If you feel you are struggling with your mental wellbeing, the first step to support is usually to visit your GP. How Much You Smoke, Drink, or use Illegal Substances 4. These self tests ask some important questions that can help you take stock of where you are at so you can make a plan for feeling . This article was contributed by familydoctor.org editorial staff. Most health professionals now understand that sexuality remains important in later life. You can use these kinds of terms to describe many physical symptoms. You 'fess up about how much alcohol you consume, how many times you smoked last week, the herbal supplements you pop, or the fact that you're battling depression or are anxious about job layoffs at the office. Research suggests that regular physical activity can be effective in the treatment of mild to moderate depression. (Time of day, with or without food, etc.). Tell your doctor you're having trouble sleeping, and whether it's falling asleep or staying asleep that's difficult. 800-252-3337memberservices@nafc.orgwww.nafc.org, National Center on Elder Abuse Book a video consultation today ", "I haven't been enjoying the things I usually do. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. Let your doctor know about your feelings and ask about treatment. Tell your doctor if you or people close to you are concerned about your driving and why. Since then, I've been feeling way worse but my parents insisted that I'm okay now so there's no need for them to take me to the doctor again. If you feel uncomfortable with something your doctor or his or her staff has said or done, be direct. Let your doctor know what things your symptoms prevent you from doing, especially the things you need to do to successfully get through the day. Remember to be as specific and descriptive as possible. Your doctor can verify facts for you and point you to credible sources. For example, you could say: Ive always been able to balance my checkbook without any problems, but lately Im very confused. Your doctor will probably want you to have a thorough check-up to see what might be causing your symptoms. Any suggestion of medical illness, drug or alcohol intoxication or overdose, or poisoning usually mandates lab tests. Ask for a referral. Tell the doctor your specific symptoms from your prepared list and then show him where on your body you are experiencing them. if it's the first time or it's been ongoing. However, focusing on a varied diet that includes whole fresh foods and plenty of fruits and vegetables is a good place to start. Once you get the conversation going, it may easier to open up about your depression symptoms in more detail. U.S. Department of Health & Human Services. Depression: Signs Your Medication Isn't Working - WebMD June 14, 2023 - 9 likes, 0 comments - Kailly Sabrina (@kaillysabrina) on Instagram: "After beginning therapy I noticed that I would do really well with my anxiety, depression, irrita." People suffering from clinical depression often experience a range of symptoms both physical and emotional which can interfere with day to day life. 2350846, speak to your GP about your mental health. And "natural" does not always mean "safe," according to the web site for the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM). In addition, you don't need to worry about your friends, family, or employer finding out about your depression. 888-696-4222niaaaweb-r@exchange.nih.govwww.niaaa.nih.gov, Services & Advocacy for Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual & Transgender Elders (SAGE) J Clin Psychiatry. The prospective association between sleep deprivation and depression among adolescents. How do I talk to my doctor about depression? Even mild symptoms of depression can disrupt your life, and can often grow worse over time if left untreated. If youre feeling low, is it starting to interfere with your day to day life? Sign up for wikiHow's weekly email newsletter. A . Your doctor can ask you a few questions or have you fill out a questionnaire that has questions about depression. The same goes for birth control pills. One 2017 study found symptoms of depression decreased when people had nutritional counseling and following a healthier diet for 12 weeks.. In more moderate to severe cases, exercise can be a beneficial complement to medication and therapy., While researchers are still working to understand the link between diet and depression, there is little doubt that eating well can improve health and well-being. High doses can be risky; for instance, too much selenium can cause gastrointestinal upset, hair loss, fatigue, irritability, and mild nerve damage, according to the National Institutes of Health's Office of Dietary Supplements. We use cookies to make wikiHow great. How do I tell my doctor I am depressed? : r/depression - Reddit Questions You'd Only Ask Your Gynecologist If She Was Your Best Friend. 212-870-3400www.aa.org, MedlinePlus Talking about mental illness can be hard. You might not feel comfortable talking to your doctor about any mental or emotional problems you are having. If you feel like you need to see a therapist or psychiatrist for additional treatments, ask your doctor for a referral. All rights reserved. How to Talk to Your Doctor About Depression - Verywell Mind He or she can make suggestions that may be helpful to you. When your doctor knows that a medication is having an unwanted side effect, they can work with you to address it, either by giving you a new strategy or finding another medication. It rarely goes away on its own. If you simply dont like the idea of being on medications long-term and want to accelerate getting better, they can also help you find research-backed, complementary therapies that may be effective for depression. Read our editorial policy. If you're often stressed or sad -- or if you're in an abusive relationship -- speak up. It also feels . Keep a daily medication log, if you take multiple pills, including supplements. ), Seeing or hearing things that arent there. For some people, the thought of talking to their doctor about their mental health is scary. ", Undergoing adverse events during childhood, Not having many friends or personal relationships, Having problems thinking, concentrating, or making decisions, Thinking frequently about death or suicide, Not remembering things or appearing to have trouble concentrating, Pacing, wringing their hands, or pulling at their hair. A: Your doctor will keep the details of what you talk about private, or confidential. Starting this conversation can help you get the help and support that you need to start feeling better. Tell your doctor if you notice that your symptoms are better or worse at certain times of the day. Some insurance plans require that you see a primary physician first in order to obtain a referral to a more specialized mental health care provider, such as a psychiatrist or psychologist. Federal government websites often end in .gov or .mil. Use of Over-the-Counter (OTC) Medicines, Herbal Supplements, and Vitamins 2. Let your doctor know if youve experienced the symptoms before and under what circumstances this happened. Acupuncture, meditation, light therapy, and herbal supplements are some alternative options that you might consider.. But not telling could spell trouble -- even if you'd rather not admit to an inconvenient truth or two. February 03, 2020. Use adjectives as much as possible. I also have a lot of physical symptoms - light headed, headaches often, muscle tension, rapid heartbeat . This can help your doctor formulate a diagnosis and possible treatment. Tell your doctor how your symptoms feel. Be sure your doctor has the phone number of the pharmacy you use. The treatment that will work best for you depends in part on your specific diagnosis. Your doctor can help you understand the physiology of dependence and let you know if it can happen with any of the medications you take. Cancer Screening Guidelines. Just print it off, fill it out before your appointment, and take it with you. Also, tell your doctor about symptoms such as lack of energy, poor appetite, trouble sleeping, or little interest in life. They can also evaluate if medication or therapy might help with depression. For this reason, it's important to include proven stress management techniques like meditation, guided imagery, and deep breathing in your overall self-care plan. How To Talk To Your Doctor About Depression? - Wengood There are small steps you can take to help fight depression. If fear of falling is affecting your day-to-day life, let your doctor know. Copyright American Academy of Family Physicians. Am I depressed (quiz)? | Depression Test - Patient NIA has articles and free videos designed for older adults that can help you fit exercise and physical activity into your daily life. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. Their risk for HIV, hepatitis, and other STDs increase with the number of sexual partners and their sexual preference. It will not seem strange or shameful in any way to your doctor that you are feeling depressed. But your doctor can help you. England and Wales 801130, Scotland SC 039714 / Company Registration No. The first 8 weeks Assess your symptoms online with our free symptom checker. Learn the best ways to manage stress and negativity in your life. Nancy Schimelpfening, MS is the administrator for the non-profit depression support group Depression Sanctuary. Registered number: 10004395 Registered office: Fulford Grange, Micklefield Lane, Rawdon, Leeds, LS19 6BA. Depression. Here are the top eight secrets you keep from your doctor and why you should spill them. Low energy levels could stem from illnesses, including stress, a poor diet, anemia, depression, and thyroid function. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.
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