'Is it OK to write down my depression symptoms for the doctor?'
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Q: I think I've got depression and I have booked an appointment with my doctor. The problem is I find it very difficult to talk about my symptoms without crying. I thought I could write them down. I also think I can explain myself better on paper. Do you think the doctor would mind if I wrote down what my symptoms are? Katie, 19 |
our online advisors reply:
It sounds like you are going through a difficult time at the moment, Katie. The positive thing is that you have recognised these feelings and you have taken the first step towards getting some help. Your doctor might feel you could benefit from anti-depressant medication, or they may offer to arrange counselling for you.
I think that writing your symptoms down is an excellent idea. It's important that your doctor gets as much information as possible about your condition. I don't think they would mind at all, especially if you explain that you find it difficult to talk about how you are feeling, and would not want any significant factors missed. They will need to ask you some questions though.
It can be quite nerve-racking to visit the GP, especially if you are coping with difficult emotions. It is surprisingly common for people to come out of the surgery having not mentioned, or remembered, something that they wanted to say. So it is often useful to make a list as you suggest. As well as your symptoms, it might help the doctor to know other things such as:
- How long has this been going on?
- How does this disrupt your work or your home life?
- Are there any situations or events that trigger bad feelings?
- Have you talked to anyone else about it?
- Have you taken any medication?
As well as your symptoms, it might also be a good idea to note down any questions that you might want to ask. This is particularly important if your GP offers you medicine. You might want to know about possible side-effects, or how long the medication will take to work. If they offer to refer you to someone else it might help to know what to expect, and what will happen next. When people feel down it often helps to talk to someone about the feelings they are having. Is there someone – perhaps another family member or friend – who you can talk to openly about your feelings?
Sometimes it's easier to talk to a stranger. The Samaritans are there 24 hours a day to give emotional support on 08457 90 90 90. They offer an e-mail service too: jo@samaritans.org.
If you haven't already, you might like to check out our own features on depression and self-help strategies, where you can find more information about the condition, how it is treated, and suggestions for helping yourself feel better.
Finally, Katie, try to remember that crying is a perfectly natural response to the way you are feeling. Doctors see people who are struggling with painful emotions every day and it's OK to cry in front of your GP. It might help if you think of crying as just another symptom of feeling depressed – have you thought of writing it down on your list?
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