[green fox]

hi, newbie here, and i really need some advice. i found this website and its tests about a month ago when i was looking for help. i had this empty and numb feeling practically everyday and it had just gotten worse since then. i cant shake them off. i took the depression test on several occasions and i dont think i had ever dipped below a score of 50. i took the anxiety one as well and i scored a severe, which combined would explain my paradoxical emotions a lot. recently my depression score was 75, and even though i understand that i shouldnt take the results to be completely accurate, im worried and i know i should still see an actual doctor. okay, so heres the thing: my parents doesnt really believe depression to be an actual mental illness. they think its an emotion that can be rid of and get over. also im taking a really important exam next year (o levels) and i dont want to take any medication that may slow my thinking. im torn between getting help for something i dont even know to be true, and staying silent not causing trouble. any help or advice at all would be great.

[leejosepho]

Originally Posted by green fox

i dont want to take any medication that may slow my thinking.
im torn between getting help for something i dont even know to be true, and staying silent not causing trouble.

As based upon my own experience: Trying to just wish depression away with will power or whatever will ultimately prove it to be true, and it is possible for a good doctor to help without your scholastic abilities being compromised.

[gayleggg]

Depends on how bad it's affecting your life. If it's affecting you a lot I would talk to my doctor about it and see what he has to say.

[Thunder Bow]

Those test are just guidelines. As suggested above, see a doctor if your feelings of depression and anxiety overwhelms you.

Look, the fact you are questioning if you need help is enough of an indicator you need to talk to someone.

Start with your family doctor. They will, if they deem necessary, refer you to psychiatric resources.

[MickeyCheeky]

Yeah.. seeing a doctor is the best option.. good luck

[ShaggyChic_1201]

I know you mentioned medication, but there are many effective treatments for depression and anxiety besides meds, including many types of talk and behavioral therapy. I have a hunch that untreated anxiety and depression are more likely to hinder your studies than medication you might be put on.

[avlady]

you're definately feeling the emotion of depression and you know it so why not get help?

[Misssy2]

My first thought was to wonder how old you are? Also to wonder if you have medical coverage of your own where you can seek help without adding the extra burden of including your parents.

Then, if it is impossible to seek help without the help of your parents...how long will it be until you are full adult and able to seek some help under the radar of your parents?

You eventually will be making your own decisions on your health and yes, mental health can impact a person tremendously if it is not treated properly (regardless of what your parents think).

And mental health should be treated as any other illness with treatment by a trained professional (not our parents, not our friends and not psyche central) LOL....Of course all of these avenues can be helpful at different times and used for various reasons...but to treat what is going on with you a DRs opinion is really what is needed.

I feel for anyone that is stuck in limbo as to what they should do when they are not feeling well mentally.

Feeling "off" mentally can make you feel like you are "crazy". You are not crazy, I am not crazy...we only have an illness that can respond well to treatment if treatment is sort.