How to Talk to Doctor about Depression

Before you start, you need to know a few things.

Firstly, the following article covers diverse knowledge related to depression which you would want to know before you meet your doctor.

Secondly, it is not right to put yourself in the category of patients who have depression.

Thirdly, you should know the difference between tension and depression. It might be possible that all those feelings of stress, anxiety, sadness, and melancholy you have been feeling for a long time are not what you can call depression. Find ways to cope with stress and anxiety.
Psychological studies suggest that depression is found more in women than men. So helping a man with depression is more accessible than helping women.

Fourthly, consider that depression is a psychological disorder, and you are not a psychologist to categorize you under the category of mental disorder/s.

Depression is one of the psychological disorders. The latest calculation says that around 300 million people worldwide suffer from depression. Psychological studies suggest that depression is found more in women than men. So helping a man with depression is more accessible than helping women.

The following article will give insight into depression, two of its kinds, depression signs, and symptoms, treatment, therapies, a practical guide on how to talk to the doctor about depression, medications, and the key to handling depression.

Cautions: Medicines are not prescribed by any psychologist or psychiatrist. We are not responsible for any side effects of using them without a prescription from a registered doctor, psychiatrist, or pharmacist. It is for information purposes only.

Depression is an emotional state in which a person faces extreme sadness, low energy, loss of concentration, sleep, interest, appetite, and sexual desire. And they are haunted by feelings of guilt and worthlessness.

Depression comes in the category of mood disorders and also psychotic disorders.

Types of Depression

According to the DSM-IV-TR (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders), there are two types of depression:

• Unipolar-Depression
• Bipolar-Depression and Mania

Symptoms of Depression

DSM-IV-TR criteria for depression are sad, melancholy, and depressed mood nearly every day or two weeks, loss of interest, and lack of pleasure in daily activities.

DSM-IV-TR criteria for the diagnosis of bipolar disorder is an irritable mood for at least one week and three of Bipolar Depression Symptoms.

Unipolar Depression

• Insomnia, not sleeping after waking up at midnight, a desire to sleep for a long time
• Change in level of activity-either dull or being agitated or nervous
• Poor appetite or weight loss or vice versa
• Loss of energy and fatigue
• Negative self-concepts of worthlessness and guilt
• Complaints of loss of attention, slow thinking process, and indecision
• Recurring thoughts of suicide and death

Bipolar Depression

• Increase in activity level at work, socially or sexually
• Unusual talk and rapid speech
• Sleeping more than usual
• High self-esteem (your own best evaluation of yourself) about unique talents, powers, and abilities
• Attention easily diverted
• Excessive involvement in pleasant activities

Causes of Depression

Depression is a sorrowful condition that cab n attacked during childhood, adolescence, or old age. There are many different causes of depression, which depend upon the person.

It can happen in children when they have to go to school and get this separation anxiety. The child fears that his parents might disappear or die, so he refuses to go to school. In older adults, it can occur due to the loss of self-esteem and feeling of worthlessness.

In adolescents, it occurs due to wrong attitudes and antisocial behavior. There can be many other factors and causes leading towards depression like parents’ death or some near year’s death or the deprivation from precious property, losing a best friend or bereavement and divorce.

The Treatment of Depression

There are specific therapies that the psychologist can use once you visit him. For example, there can be from one of the following:

Counseling

It can help to talk about their depression and get rid of the overwhelming depressed thoughts and several kinds of strategies to resolve them.

Psychoanalytical Theory

According to the psychodynamic approach, those cold events that provoke depression can be brought into consciousness with the help of psychoanalysis. The patient can recognize the problem and think of ways to tackle it.

Cognitive Therapy

The cognitive method helps the patient correct his negative thinking, provoking depression. In addition, it makes them recognize the relationship between their thoughts, behaviors, and feelings.

It also trains patients to change their prejudiced thinking and cognition with the real one and change their wrong beliefs with the correct beliefs.

How to Talk to Your Family about Depression

Because you have been feeling depressed, it may be helpful to speak with your family about it. Family can support you the best in your down period. However, instead of talking to your whole family, you can speak with the most endeared member of your family.

Ask your family whether they have been through the same state and what strategies they used to cope with depression. It is also essential to ask about the family history of depression, whether apart from your family, any relative suffered this way or not.

It will help your doctor develop a better solution to your problem.

Talk to Your Best Friends

Sometimes, you are unable to talk to your family. In that case, you can speak to your friends or your partner and seek their advice. Learn more about improving communication with your partner to get rid of depression.

Visit a Doctor, Psychologist, or Psychiatrist

A professional can treat your disease or problem in the best possible way. So, it would be best if you considered your family doctor first.

What to do Before a Doctor’s Appointment?

It would help if you listed how you feel and what symptoms you have been noticing and experiencing. Then, mention the time along with it.

• Are these symptoms affecting your daily routine? If yes, then write it down.
• If you are taking any medicines, mention them in your list.
• If you have been taking vitamin supplements or any drugs, note them down.
• Don’t forget to mention your family history of depression or other biological diseases.
• Take previous medical reports with you while you visit a doctor.
• If you have been previously taking medicines for depression, tell them to your doctor.

These handmade notes will help you communicate effectively with your doctor, allowing him to understand better and treat your symptoms.

The Next Step is to make an Appointment.

Don’t postpone and make an appointment with the doctor. Visiting a doctor is as scary as their disease or disorder is for some people. But you can take someone with you while you visit your doctor.

It can be any person you confide in, like any family member or a close friend.

This way you will feel better and more confident. While struggling through the depression period, it is essential to feel encouraged, hopeful, and confident.

What to do while you Visit a Doctor?

Your doctor will first look at whether you suffer from any biological disease. Once that is figured out, he will go further.

You may be facing depression due to any biological illness.

Often doctors work in collaboration with a psychologist or psychiatrist.

But there is nothing to be afraid of.

You might be feeling that you cannot trust your doctor or psychologist, but as a matter of fact, your information stays a secret. They do not share your personal history with anyone, so you can trust them easily and explain whatever you feel.

There is no need to be embarrassed about your behavior, attitude, and feelings.

The more you open up, the more it would be easy for your doctor to recognize your symptoms and assist you.

• As you describe your symptoms, ask him whether this is depression or not.
• Ask how you can improve.
• You can also question him about whether you need to visit a specialist or whether you need counseling.

As suggested above, to make a list, it is better to mention everything. Sometimes you forget what to ask and become confused. Your list will help you at that time.

Treating Depression with Medication

If your doctor suggests you take medicines,

• Ask about the benefits and side effects of the medicine.
• Ask whether it will make your condition better or not.

Patience is the Key (to Fight with Depression)

Remember that your disease doesn’t need to be diagnosed in the first sitting or session. It can take two or more sittings. Because you will be given medications and therapies once your disease is diagnosed, be patient and don’t hurry. This patience will be your key to fight with depression.