Question about depression?

I have never been diagnosed, but I feel like I'm stuck in a rut. No matter what kind of 'self' help I do, I am always sad, angry, and irritable. Sometime I have anxiety mixed in with it too. I just no got health insurace, so do I need to go see my physician first and she'll refer me or do they automatically prescribe you a bunch of meds? I don't want to be doped up. Thanks
As a person who has struggled with clinical depression all my life, I would strongly suggest you see a good psychiatrist NOT a general physician. Psychiatrists are physicians who specialize in psychology and can prescribe medications. My psychiatrist has an excellent knowledge of medications and found one (Paxil) that has worked for me for over 15 years. I take Paxil before I go to bed at night so I don't feel 'doped up' during the day

Best of luck to you.
Your primary care doctor will most likely refer you to a psychiatrist instead of treating you themself. I know that they use to treat people more frequently themselves, but a doctor told me about a year ago that they got much stricter about that. It sounds like you may need an anti-depressant or something and now a days there are alot of different types of medicines. When you go to the doctor or psychiatrist be sure to express your concerns about not wanting to feel doped up and if they are a good, caring doctor they will take that into consideration when deciding what medicine would be best for you. And if they give you something that you end up not liking or having a problem with, don't just stop taking it or give up. Alot of those types of medicines take awhile to get the full benefit and even if you wait awhile and still do not get the rsults you want or get bad side effects, they can try a new medicine for you. It may take a few tries before you get what you want or need! Good luck!
If you're diagnosed with depression..they will give you an anti depressant. Probably Zoloft,or Prozac.

Neither of them make you feel doped up,at least not me. I took Zoloft for a year on and off when I was 11 for depression. (Keep in mind that sometimes anti depressants *can* increase thoughts of suicide)


I hope you go see one,because it sounds like you are depressed. Good luck!



P.S-I went to the doctor when I was depressed,then they referred me to a psychologist.


You can either find a place that deals with depression and other mental illnesses or you can go to your doctor,either way will work..it is better than getting no help at all.
Would you rather have the depression and anxiety you are having now or give it at least a try on medication?
When diagnosed correctly and placed on the "Right" medications, you can feel much better.
Would you mind emailing me with what State you live in and your age? I am currently doing what I can with many different States in the U.S. to get State/Government Assistance for people who cannot afford medical/dental/optical insurance.
uniqueoneisme@yahoo.com
Please put subject line as: "Answers-Insurance"
First of all - the last thing you need, is someone telling you to snap out of it. If you are asking the question you are already part way to recovery. For myself, if I am feeling really low or even depressed, I try to take my mind off my feelings with music or try to busy myself. Try to remember- there is always someone worse off than yourself- and if you do reach "rock bottom" -then the only way is up. Sometimes a good book can be uplifting too-even if you have already read it before.
I really hope this helps- sometimes just talking to someone close is enough and not all doctors prescribe drugs- a good one might have another solution for you, or maybe decide that short term you do need medication.
Best of luck, I will Pray for you....God Bless..... love Janet.
antidepressants will not leave you feeling "doped up"...you might experience some weird side effects to begin with but they go away after a few weeks. Antidepressants really help...if you find the right one or a combination of them...They will give you energy, motivation, a reason to continue...and you might also be referred to a therapist to talk about what's bothering you...or to be taught how to change the way you think.
Good Luck