Thanks
Clinical Psychologist, Counsellor, Psychologist, Psychotherapist
Yes it is hard to tell someone you don't know what's going on. But by the sound of things, what you're going through right now is much harder. The most difficult step is the first one - and you've already taken that. Try and work out what it is that makes it hard for you. If it's embarrassment, remember that the psychologist or counsellor is there to help you, not judge you. If you're worried you won't be able to explain what's going on, well that's half the reason you see someone - we help you to sort through what's going on. Our focus isn't to understand every single thing in your head; it's to help you live a happy life, and there are lots of ways to do that. It's also a valid choice to ask your GP for antidepressants, which are usually effective for depression. They might help with anxiety too, though if they don't, getting the depression under control will make it easier to tackle anxiety.
You've already reached out to people. Now have a discussion with your GP, who can help you decide on the next step, such as seeing a psychologist or trying an antidepressant. There are lots of options, and treatment has helped many people in similar difficult situations. It's hard taking the first few steps, but it gets much easier.
I wish you the best.
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Health Professional
Writing as somebody who is in remission from depression, I generally agree with what Joe and Shannon have written - asking your GP to refer you to a psychologist is a great idea.
I am less certain about asking your GP to prescribe an antidepressant. My preference would be to ask him/her to refer you to a psychiatrist. As a specialist, a psychiatrist will be able to do a detailed assessment of you and, depending on the results of that, discuss the option of medication with you.
All the best.
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