Dysthymia/ Moderate depression. Help.

xeli03 · 11-05-2012, 09:23 PM

I have been suffering with what I have assumed is some form of depression since I was 14 (I'm 22 now). While looking for more information today I came across this page: http://www.depressedtest.com/dysthymia.html and I have all of the symptoms on the list.

I feel like I have no self-esteem and I dislike pretty much everything about the way I look and this is really starting to effect my day to day life. I shy away from going out with friends because I get nervous in social situations (this is quite a new development as I used to be very confident) and I have started feeling really anxious around guys my own age. I also know that I have some OCD traits as I bite my nails until they bleed, making it painful to do anything with my hands, chew my cheeks until they are bloody and swollen and I pick at any irregularities on my skin.

It is obvious to me that my symptoms are gradually getting worse and I am finding the stress of my final year of university really difficult. Also I had my cat put to sleep in August which I still find difficult to think about but then I feel really guilty about that as I know there are so many people going through such worse things.

I am really scared to go and see a GP about this, but I don't know why that is. Bascially wondering if there is anyone else out there with similar issues and any suggestions what I can do that may help me.

Thank you :)

Snow White. · 12-05-2012, 11:30 AM

Hullo :)

I'm sorry to hear how much you're struggling right now, especially for it to be going on for so many years. I really would encourage you to see your GP about what you're going through. If you tell them how you are feeling, the nails, the biting, the sadness and how it is getting worse I am sure they will help you out in some way.

I know it's difficult but I'd encourage you to see your GP. In the meantime, try looking after yourself as best you can, but as the stress of uni takes place in the background and you say things are getting worse, it might be time to reach out for help.

I have been diagnosed with Dysthymia and I find seeing my GP really helpful for a check in and to discuss how I'm going. She referred me to a psychologist who is also very helpful at dealing with my symptoms. If you don't want to see your GP, maybe you could see a counsellor at uni?

All the best x

random.swirls · 12-05-2012, 11:05 PM

I would definately talk to your GP about this as it sounds like you've been struggling for a long time and you know what there is help out there.

It's scary talking to a professional for the first time and I doubt I will ever get used to it but it's never as bad as you expect and often it's exceeded my expectations!

Good luck!

Bleeding Angel · 13-05-2012, 02:02 PM

As everyone already said, but i wouldn't self diagnose yourself.

xeli03 · 13-05-2012, 10:28 PM

Thank to all of you for replying :)

You pretty much said what I thought people would say. I just have this stupid guilt about seeing the GP as I always think there is people suffering so much worse than me and I don't want to waste their time. I guess I just need to get over it and go see them, it is just a really scary prospect!

Snow White. · 14-05-2012, 07:10 AM

It is scary, but you are suffering a lot, too. You deserve that help.
All the best with it and please let us know how it goes :)

Niniane · 15-05-2012, 06:16 PM

If you're suffering, then it matters. Don't compare your problems with the ones of others. If it's giving you troubles, it's the only thing that matters. You deserve help like everyone else.
If talking about it to a GP is scary, maybe you could try printing this post and giving it to him.

xeli03 · 16-05-2012, 03:01 PM

Thank you :)

I finally plucked up the courage and went to the GP yesterday. I am so glad that I had read other posts on here that said to write it all down as I ended up crying and couldn't talk! I will definately reccomend anyone to do that. She thinks I am suffering from a moderate form of depression, which I thought but she also thinks I have an anxiety disorder which I had not considered. She has perscribed me a drug called citalopram which is meant to help with both the depression and anxiety but apparently takes a while to kick in.

Today I also plucked up the courage to tell my Mum (whos a nurse) and Dad (whos a doctor) how I have been feeling, I think guilt has stopped me doing this before.

Thank you all for replying to me you told me what I needed to hear to give me the confidence that it was ok to go and see the GP. So hopefully now I will begin to get myself sorted.

Hope you are all well :)

Snow White. · 17-05-2012, 07:30 AM

Wow, I am so proud of you! Well done for seeing your GP and being so honest about how you're struggling. I have been on citalopram, and while it effects others differently obviously, I found it really helpful. And I am glad that she has prescribed something to help you :)

How did your parents react? Well done on telling them too, I hope that they were supportive of you.

Very proud of you, and I really hope that things do work out for you. But now at least you know if you start to feel unwell with your mood you can go back to your doctor, or talk to your parents, and reach out for help x