hey...

Hi, I'm new to this forum. I haven't been feeling that great lately.. won't go into detail but cuz its probly not that big of a problem. Anyway, I found this site a couple weeks ago and took the depressions quiz. I've taken it a few times now and keep getting damn near the same # result... 62, 64 and 62. (it says anything over a 54 should seek immeidiate help) I have answered as honestly as I can. I've never been to a psyciatrist and am afraid to go to be honest. I guess I'm looking for suggestions ... any feed back would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.

I discovered the site a couple of weeks ago also and got the same scores you are getting - only I have been in therapy for 7 months now. I have the greatest T in our entire part of the state but there is so much to get through. I write a journal every day and turn it in to him every week for us to go over. Everytime I think I have thought of everything that has caused my depression, another new one crops up. It takes time - but I know I am better than I was 3 months ago. Progress is slow but steady - but going to a T was my only hope to remain alive and he has done his job well - I would not be here if he had not stepped in and showed me I can live and actually enjoy my life (sometimes). So, hang in there. Most cities have some type of center where you can go for free help if finances are a problem - my insurance pays part of mine. It does not have to be a psychiatrist - a licensed clinical psychologist is what mine is and I would not trade him for all the money in the US mint - for what is money if you are not alive to spend it! Be good to yourself - you deserve it!

The vision of your goodness will sustain me through the cold
Take my hand now to remember when you find yourself alone
You are never alone… (John Denver)
Mars

Hi Kool and welcome to the forums.

It is always scary to take a step like this... it's "unknown territory" and you worry what they might say... this is true whether you are talking about a mental health specialist or a physician.

But there is nothing to be afraid of. Probably the easiest way to get started is check your local hospital's mental health department or see if there is a mental health clinic nearby. If you can't find that, go to the hospital and ask for assistance, go right to the ER if you have to. (That is what I did).

The first thing that will happen is that you will be evaluated by the mental health department. They'll just talk to you and ask some questions... be honest with them, that's the best way they can help. They will give you a diagnosis (the quiz is a guideline but only a mental health professional can give you a true diagnosis) and based on that they'll give you options and help set you up for treatment.

Treatment works. Sometimes it takes a while, but it helps. That's the most important thing to remember. There is no reason to keep feeling the way you are feeling without getting help.

Are there specific things you are afraid of? Medications? Therapy? or just a general fear of getting started? Maybe we can answer some questions as well, but if you can get right out to a doc that would be the best thing for you to do.

Good luck, and hope to see you here more... there is a lot of support and understanding here and that can be really beneficial to your treatment.

------------------------------------
--http://www.idexter.com

Kool Blue,
Welcome to the forum. Please do not think that your problems are not a big deal because they are a part of you....therefore they are important to work through.
Please feel free to discuss things that are upsetting you here. I have never met such a great group of people as those on this board.
Welcome again!

Jessica

"Take these chances. Place them in a box until a quieter time..." ~DMB

hey welcome to the site......
if u ever need to talk i will be on either late at nite or early morning
or on rare occashions on around noon.. (if i wake up in time)

Hello Kool -- Welcome.