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Depression chat with Dr Sarah Brewer
How do I get over my hospital fears?
Q: I am 23 years old and have been prescribed antidepressants by my doctor, but I was too worried about the side-effects to take them. He referred me to hospital for assessment but I cancelled the appointment because I didn't know what was going to happen and I got scared. I thought the hospital would keep me there. I live with my parents, but they know nothing about this. I cry all the time, feel worthless and in the last two weeks I've started getting into a panic - my heart beats faster, I start worrying that something bad is going to happen and I shake. This panic results in me having to self-harm to stop it. I've tried counselling but the depression is still here. Are tablets the only way I'm going to get better? Any advice would be great.
emeraldcm3
A:It is understandable to be scared about the unknown, but there is no need to feel ashamed about your feelings. Try to tell your parents about how you feel as you need their support to help get through these difficult times. The hospital will not keep you in unnecessarily, and the appointment you were sent was to help assess the right treatment for you.
It is normal to feel panicky when you're not in control of what's going on, so don't be afraid that you're going mad. You are not - you are experiencing normal feelings due to being depressed and having little support at present. Antidepressant tablets will help you feel much better quite quickly - sometimes within three days, but certainly within two weeks. For mild to moderate depression, the herb St John's Wort can behelpful. Do try to talk to your parents. You can also contact Depression Alliance for confidential advice Tel 020 7633 0557.
Dr Sarah Brewer
If you want to share your depression stories, join other iVillagers on the Coping with Depression message board. Take a look at some of the LIVE discussions taking place on the board right now:
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