How Do I Talk to My Doctor about Depression?

Updated on July 10, 2019
Depressed Woman.jpg

Depression is a disease which can be defined to be a part of a much complicated psychiatric breakdown. It is also said to be a common mood disorder which negatively affects a person’s emotions. Depression should not be mistaken as a temporary illness, rather it is a long drawn process which involves a lot of time and if not taken care in time may also cause death.

Since this is one of those diseases which cannot be so easily detected and understood, some major symptoms like frequent suicidal tendencies, fatigue, loss of interest in any activities, lack of peaceful and uninterrupted sleep, tendency to be left alone, delusions, hallucinations, fear, anxiety, etc. have commonly being suggested by a list of doctors, dealing specifically with this illness.

There are different types of depression one can suffer from, thus the doctor needs to detect the type of depression for this one needs to clearly state their problems. But as said it is a very sensitive and confusing topic to be dealt with, these certain ways can be applied when relating the issue to the doctor, these are as follows:

1)      Give an Introduction:

It does not have to start with the conclusion. Let the doctor decide. Firstly tell him or her about what has been going through lately. It is necessary for one to understand why he or she is feeling depressed. Discuss these feelings that have been troubling recently. In short, the patient should just consider talking about the symptoms and let the doctor initially comprehend the condition.

2)      Consider it Normal:

Secondly, while speaking about it don’t be ashamed. It may be considered as a mental illness, but they are also health issues and needs profound treatment. Gradually speak about it, it is not necessary that he or she speaks his or her heart out in the very first meeting but takes it to slowly talk about it.

It is necessary that one comes out of that shell. And such doctors are aware of these things; they too will make an effort to ease the patient. They are also known to the fact that a patient won’t blabber everything in the very first time, rather take much time.

3)      Be Honest and Convincing:

This is the most important step; never ever make the mistake to mislead a doctor. It is obvious that one may find it a bit or rather very awkward to open up about every single thing about themselves, but it is advisable to speak less but speak the truth, it is important for the doctor to diagnose him or her correctly. Be hesitant, because that is okay to be, but don’t let it sound very light just to escape the shyness.

4)      Consider Taking Help:

If nothing of these works, then the last thing is giving a thought to take the help of a close friend or family member to whom the victim can confide into everything very openly and rather in plain words. So that during the session, that person does the major talking and he or she only answers the questions properly asked by the doctor. Though not very appreciable, the method can be applied.

Conclusion:

Depression is a sickness which is majorly misunderstood. Many people take this very lightly and there is much misconception harbored about the seriousness of this illness. More than an ailment it is a feeling that can’t easily be explained to others. One has to understand that it is very difficult for such a victim to coup up with others and more than being misjudged and made fun of, they need to be treated like any other patient with a stomach ache or fever.

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