Depression
 

I was talking to my counsellor yesterday, about how i was feeling and described the lows i am having. She thinks that i need to go to the doctors about it or she should refer me. I was just wondering, what should i expect from going to the doctors? Also, if i was referred to see a psychiatrist, would my college find this out? If i was diagnosed with depression, would this affect me getting in to uni or anything? Thats my worst fear you see. Do you know if this would be kept secret from my parents as i really dont want them knowing about me going to see a dr or a psych about depression. They wouldn't be happy.
All replies appreciated :)
x x

I have had the exact same situation as you. So if you want to talk just PM me.
Can i ask how old you are?

Um, with telling a uni it's kind of murky as to what you should tell them but you don't have to tell them anything you don't want to.

Okay, i've just read your profile with your age, which is the same as mine. SO i will explain my experience in this situation.

When you go to the GP to talk about being depressed they cannot tell your parents (unless you're suicidal, then they can inform them for your own safety).
They are likely to do a depression scoring test on you. They're like a lot of the ones you see online.

The next bit is kind of murky because of your age. They can't prescribe you meds because you're under 18 so they have to refer you to a psych for further assessment and anything else that is needed.
The psych is also confidential (except for if they think you're suicidal).

With regards to meds, i don't know if you're thinking about them or not. They can't tell your parents if you go on them but the doctors and psychs will keep telling you it's best to tell them and are a bit wary about giving out meds without supervision but as long as you stay under your counsellor's care it should be fine.

With regards to telling universities, can i ask why you don't want them to know?
I had the exact same thing but realized they can't do anything with the information so it shouldn't really matter to me.

Hope this helps.
PM me anytime.
Tabby x

Thanks that's really useful to know. Im really nervous about going but i know its gotta be done, because i cant carry on like this.
Ok so if i told them i get suicidal alot they may have to tell someone?... argh thats crap.. oh well, understandable i guess.

Thanks for your help i really appreciate it :)
x x

I think if you were referred and told a psych you felt suicidal it might be okay but with your GP i think they have a tendency to get nervous about them not doing something and you killing yourself.

So basically, they encourage you to tell your parents, but can't force you to?

Is this for you Sofie because it depends on your age and whether you're talking about meds, seeing a psych or feeling suicidal?

I was just asking out of curiosity. (for myself more than anything) I was talking more about seeing a pysch.

Yes. Seeing the psych is not something they can force you to tell your parents about if you're over 16, but they always encourage open communication about psych type stuff with parents.

i didn't tell the unis i applied to about my depression, but that was kinda because i applied before i was diagnosed. i don't think they can react to any news of your mental health negatively, cuz that'd be discrimination. i think its just for their knowledge, if you want to see their counsellors or whatever.
good luck with it all x

Thank you guys....it has been worrying me as well...do you know that if you were diagnosed with depression or something similar and you wanted your parents to know but didnt want to tell them yourself you could get them to, i dont know, not tell them for you, but maybe like pass on a letter that you write and maybe explain it to them. As i really dont want to talk to my parents.

I know it might sound really stupid but i would still like to know whether they could do this.

Any PMs referring to this welcome....even if it is only a 'they wouldnt do that dont be daft' :P

i think they can keep it secret or atleast they can because i am off to see one soon

ily WAB