I am a 45 year old male. I have suffered from depression, anxiety, and panic attacks on and off since 2000 when I lost my father. I lost my mother in 2007 and I had a relapse into depression more so.
I have been going through a very bad time for about 9 months now, due to my marriage breakdown. I have been on Citalopram and Amitriptyline and have also taken Diazepam to help me on occassions when I could not sleep. I have been seeing my Doctor every 4 weeks to review my medication. She is very supportive. I am also seeing a private counsellor that I see once a week. For the last 6 months or so I have been feeling more and more depressed and have had thoughts of taking my own life. My doctor and counsellor are both aware of this, and I feel they understand what I am going through. It has got to the point that although I do not have any immediate thoughts of suicide, I have a plan in my head of how and where to do it. I have written final letters to my family and friends, and in some strange way it has made me feel quite relaxed about doing it. I honestly do not have any immediate plans to do it, but I can't say that it is not constantly in my thoughts, because it is.
My Doctor referred me to a Mental Health Service, and having spoken to them they now want me to see a psychiatrist at the end of March. Although I know this is the right way to go, I am very worried that I am going to be sectioned or something like that. I want to tell them exactly how I feel, but I admit I am scared of what they are going to do and say to me. I know I have not been well for a long time, but I don't want to be sectioned and it scares me.
Any advice you can offer about seeing a psychiatrist for the first time would be very appreciated. Waiting for the appointment is making me feel even worse. Help.
David I have never seen a psychiatrist myself but I'm speaking as the mother of a daughter who has depression.
Her best friend committed suicide a short while ago and the devastation and heart ache that this caused to my daughter and other friends and family of her friend has been terrible to witness.
I was terrified as a mother to see the effect on my daughter of both what is a natural grieving process and her depression.
Please see your psychiatrist with the knowledge that they are there to help you not criticise you be honest with them on how you feel. Accept the help that they offer.
Hello David, I am sorry your suffering so much at the moment. Hang in there and get the help you need please. Suicide is not the answer, it is final and no turning back. I will try to understand your pain as i am suffering too. I have personal experience of the pain suicide leaves those left behind to pick up the pieces. My husband and a nephew both commited suicide at young ages. I was left to bear the pain with two young chidren to bring up. It will always affect us but we have to live with this. This is what stops me from doing the same, i couldn't leave another legacy of pain to my family. You are doing the right thing getting counselling and waiting to see a Psychiatrist, thou i haven't seen one in years now, i think they look at your medication and what other services you can access, i was sent to groups such as depression and anxiety. You will only be sectioned if you are in danger of hurting yourself or someone else. I hope you rid yourselff of the plan you have, believe and have hope that things will get better, i am sure they will in time. I wish you all the best and keep with this forum, we can all try to support you, there are many people here going through the same thoughts and feelings, you are not alone, thou it may seem like it at times.
Elizabeth.
Hello David. You won't be sectioned.
Please tell the psychiatrist exactly how you feel. When I was really low and the psychiatrist suggested me going into a psychiatric hospital I did it voluntarily. You would have to be out of control to be sectioned, believe me. So don't worry about that.
I have seen quite a few psychiatrists and they usually just have a chat and will suggest medication they think will help, or tweak what you are already taking. There is nothing to be worried about. It is just a friendly chat. They want to help you.
I, like you have many times planned my own end, but I am still here, and battle on. You are being well cared for by your GP which is really great, and you are seeing a counsellor, so you are doing everything you can to help yourself.
You will be fine, honestly. My thoughts are with you.
I am having a rough patch at the moment, but there are good days too. Keep fighting, like we all do.
Take care, and let us know how you get on
Hi David, you won't be sectioned my friend, you may be sectioned if you take the next step and try.
Ive been told by friends who have been sectioned that it was the best thing for them at that time.
ive seen psychiatrists and they are great, they want to get you well, that's the essence of their job, they are not in the business of assessing you for sectioning, just what they can do to get you on the mend.
Dont worry at all. N
Hi David
From reading your post I get a feeling you are stronger than you think . Your realising something is not right but are thinking to much into what could happen albeit the worst and in your case that's being sectioned
You've witnessed some defining moments
In your life and you've been there before
I wouldn't say you've overcame it
But you have dealt with it in your own way
This same way that you will deal with
The p doc . There is absolutely nothing
To be afraid of or Ashamed about
Combined with meds this will certainly
Help you understand / realise Etc
It will work just fine I'm sure
I wish you well David you can let us know
Such outcomes
Regards daz
Zopiclone tablets are one of the best medications that you should consider when treating insomnia. These sleeping tablets are not suitable for everyone, you may want to consult your doctor before using them.
Hi how are you depression and anxiety is such a horrible place to be. I know how you feel when you are scared to admit your true feelings. in a way it does show your control of the situation nobody wants to be put in a bracket so to speak I think that if you can express your feelings that great but dont be afraid of repercusions you are in control