How do I get help? Where do I start?

[alee]

Hi everyone. So I have a bit of a dilemma and was hoping someone could guide me in the correct direction...I apologize if this is a long post.

I don't know 100% if I am depressed, but I'm almost certain I am. I want to see someone about it but I just don't know what to expect or where to begin. I don't want to walk into an office, talk with a therapist and then leave feeling like I overreacted and that I am not truly depressed. I don't even know how to begin the proccess... do i see a psychologist or a psychiatrist first? I guess that is my main question.

I think I exhibit some of the symptoms:
lack of interest in nearly everything
sleeping for nearly 10-12 hours and taking naps during the day
I can hardly leave the house (i only leave on days I have to go to colllege)
I quit my job (not the smartest idea seeing seeing as the economy is not doing very well)
excessive crying and I mean like hysterical crying at least twice a day
feelings of hopelessness and some guilt

It's so odd because I am a psych minor, but I have no idea if what I am feeling is normal or if I am really depressed. I thought it was my birth control pills making me feel hopeless and uninterested in life, but it's been two months since I stopped taking them and nothing has changed.

So if anyone could offer some insight that would be wonderful. Also, one other question. If I am diagnosed with depression, can I research anti depressants (if that is the route I have to take per my doctors request) and ask for a specific one or do most doctors just pick one for you and say you have to take this one? I have been doing a little research and have found that some lead to weight gain and lack of libido and I would like to avoid that. Thanks everyone!

[WildChild]

Sounds linke something is certain out of wack. Why not start with a complete physical including bloodwork and hormones? Find out first if it is something physical? Look at your diet, possible food sensitivities? Try to pretty much eliminate possible causes. Talking to a counselor is not a big deal, it's generally a very relaxed thing to do. You are probably aware of the differences between a psychologist and psychatrist. If you are concerned about drugs why not start with a psychologist? If they feel drugs are warranted they can refer you.

[yellowpiXi3]

hi,

if you think you might be depressed. IMO that is something that needs attention. i think you should probably meet with someone for a quick visit. therapist can you usually tell if you are or not. its worth a shot. if you aren't then that's something to look forward to. if you are; then at least you are aware of your problems and taking the steps to better your life. either way i think both will result in something positive. i wish you luck and keep us updated.

<3

[alee]

Thank you both so much for your replies! I truly do appreciate it.

I think a physical would be a great place to start. I actually have a heart condition that I had open heart surgery for about two years ago and the medication that I take is extremely strong and has quite a few side effects. I have often wondered if it has been causing my problems. I have had my thyroid checked, and apparently my levels came back normal, although I did have high cholesterol, which is weird because I'm basically a vegetarian and don't consume many animal products, occasionally chicken and yogurt and that's really it. That's beside the point, but maybe it is physical. At first I thought it was my thyroid, but now who knows?!

Thank you both for your advice and for the support. I love these forums just for that! It's nice to feel more at ease about seeking help! Thanks again and I will certainly keep you posted!

[CHANDLERS WISH]

I agree with Wildchild..

A full physcial would be your first port of call... Feeling lathagic, tired, sleeping that much is not good, it's not like you are hiding in your room and reading or on a computer, or watching TV, and keeping away from the world your sleeping........

Medication of any sorts can through you out of wack even after 2 years, it may be time to change your medication for your Heart condition, your older, your body is more mature.

You eat healthy as well, so that doesn't extend to feeling so tired.

And, your not working.

Try as well, to just start 10 minute walks daily, to see if you feel a little more energy after the first week...

And, look in the mirror and "smile".... can't hurt can it? But, it can make you realise that you really are a happy person, afterall.

CW

[Hopeless Dork]

I think everyones advice on the physical first is a really good one. If you DO end up getting on an anti depressent... it is very very wise to do your research. Some of them, while not addicting... have side effects when quitting that are pretty awful for some people. And many people wish they never started certain ones. I was given an anti depressent several years ago and while I do think it helped me with depression... I later developed some minor OCD that I am still working with on my own. I am afraid to stop the anti depressent because of all the horrid and scary side-effects I am reading from people trying to quit them.

I've been weening myself off slowly but afraid to quit entirely. I wish I never started them, but at the same time I was in a bad place when I did so I guess they have served their purpose.

Just use caution, research research research and definitely speak to your doctor about your primary concerns regarding side effects, as they vary from med to med they might be able to help you find that will suit you best.

But from personal experience, it should be a last resort.

[alee]

Hopeless Dork~
Thank you for your advice. I certainly agree with researching as well as going on anti depressants as a last result. As an individual taking medication all my life for my heart, I would hate to add on another prescription. I tried making an appointment with a new doctor, but it will be another two weeks before they can schedule an appointment for me seeing as I will be a new patient. In the meantime I have been researching to a great extent.

One point that each of you have brought up is checking the physical first. Most of my symptoms are physical, rather than emotional, (other than the excessive crying and lack of interest in activities, which could be due to feeling so exhausted all the time which again points to a physical ailment or cause) and I have been researching my heart medication, which is actually a beta blocker and is sometimes used for anxiety... kinda explains why I haven't been nervous in over a year. I rarely become anxious about anything, but I also found a few articles explaining that beta blockers (specifically sotalol, generic betapace) can cause individuals to become depressed. Perhaps I have become intolerant to the medication and need a change.

I actually see a pediatric cardiologist that I have seen since I was an infant, but as of this year I no longer meet the age requirements (I will be 23 this summer), so I have to find a new cardiologist. This may actually benefit me seeing as he is a pediatric cardioligist and most of the children he treats are unable to express that they feel depressed on a certain medication... I don't think he is used to dealing with older patients. So basically the point of my rambling is just to say that I really do hope that my new doctor can address these issues.

Oh one last thing... I probably am not a good candidate for anti depressants anyways, since they almost all seem to interact with heart medications and/or are not advised to be taken by individuals with heart arrythmias and valvular problems, both of which I have.

Thank you all so much. This has definitely given me a place to start and I truly value each of your suggestions. I know I can't self diagnose, but I just like to gain insight and perspective through other's experiences and this helps me establish some sort of foundation. I will keep you all posted!