How long before its depression dangerous? ?

Question

My mother, we think and are pretty sure, is suffering from depression. It started and has gotten worse sincece May and it doesnt seem to be stoping anytime soon. She needs help and fast but the only appointment we can get her is on the second of Sept. Her symptoms are lack of sleep, fatigue, worry, guilt, feeling like she is letting people down, inability to focus or concentrait long. She is not having any thoughts of hurting herself or anything like that thankfuly though. Her body also has the tendency to not react very well with a lot of different kinds of medicine so we worry about what she can or can't be put on safely. What I would like to know is how fast does this need to be treated? Do we have this time to wait untill the second? What can we do to help until then? ect. Thank You.

Answer 1

I have had depression for almost 15 years, so I am happy to share what I know.  (My answer may be a little long.)

First, make sure that whatever doctor she does see performs a thorough exam.  The symptoms you list can be related to many things besides depression.  For example, vitamin D deficiency has recently been in the news a lot as a source of depression.  Low thyroid functioning, especially in women, can cause those symptoms as well.  The symptoms you mention are different from mine, but there is definitely something not right, whatever the label ends up being.

Also, the most effective treatment for most mental disorders is a combination of medicine and therapy.

It sounds like the 2nd of September is okay if she is not feeling suicidal.  But use your own judgment if things change.  You can even call 911 or take her to an emergency room and she can get psychological help that way if things worsen.

There are quite a few different medicines available these days for treating adults with depression.  A good doctor or psychiatrist can help find one that your mother can take well.

You are obviously a caring son or daughter!  That is a wonderful thing.  A person with true depression (or similar brain-based illness) does not choose this and can not control the symptoms with will-power. (How come no one ever tells someone with cancer or diabetes to "just get over it?")

Continue to be concerned and compassionate and let your mother know that you will be there for her and that you love her no matter what.

Good Luck.

Answer 2

If you described to the doctor with whom your mother has an appt Sept 2 everything you have written here and the dr felt she could wait until Sept 2, then it's possible she can wait until then.  Generally, however, if she is in serious danger of harming herself or harming others, the dr will want to see her immediately.  In the interim, you need to be watching your mother closely for any signs that she may be entering the danger zone where she might  harm herself or someone else because if her depression gets that bad - or so bad that you think she is totally out of touch with realtiy - then she needs to see a dr immediately.  Should any of her symptoms that you have told the dr about change for the worse, you need to let him or her know so he/she can decide if the appt needs to be moved up.  It's kind of a balancing act and sometimes it is hard to know when depression is a "must see now" situation and when it can wait for the next available appt.

Answer 3

Keep a close watch on your mother.  Try not to leave her alone.

If you can find any kind of spark of interest when you are talking to her, try to engage her in conversation about what she seem to react to with interest.  Take her out to keep her busy.  Take her to places you know she likes.  She may not want to go but once she gets there, she may feel a little brighter.  I hope she will be able to feel better soon.  Good Luck.

Answer 4

I dont think there can be a generic timescale as to when depression becomes "dangerous" as everyones experience is so different. I'd say that it become life threatening and urgent when your mother is expressing she wants to harm herself herself or others.

Her symptoms definatley sound like depression to me, but self-diagnosis is no good, she really needs medical help.

Does your gp surgery not have a system where you can call on the morning for emergency appointments that day? All the ones Ive been registered at have, if so I would recommend you book one of those as the 2nd of Sept is pretty far away.

It sounds like you're being supportive and are there for her and thats all you can do, it will mean a lot to your mother.  Just reasure her youre here for her and she can talk to you about her feelings at anytime.

Encourage your mother to do things that she enjoys and to treat herself to things.  Perhaps if you can afford it you can arrange to see a counseller privately as waiting lists can for talking therapy can be long on the NHS.

Dont worry about medication yet. There are lots of anti-depressants out there if thats what your mum needs, and if one doesnt work well with her her gp can start her on something else.

Good luck.

Answer 5

People suffer from depression from many reasons. Usually in women it's when they are going through "the change" and it's probably a good idea that your mom goes to her doctor. Going to the doctor they can send her to a therapist or someone who could help her overcome her depression. She will also probably need to be out on medicine. My best friend had really bad depression issues and she talked to her therapist and yeah shes still on her medicine but shes gotten a lot better. I wish you the best to you and your mother I'll keep you both in my prayers.

Answer 6

She of course needs to see that doctor on September, 2nd. There is no reason to panick at this point desperately looking for earlier appointment just with any doctor. It’s better to see a specialist, which has some expertise in depression symptoms than asking for help from unqualified physician.

Try not leaving your mother along. Every evening you have to take her for a long (about 3-5 miles) walk. Despite and regardless of anything. She of course will refuse, complaining on tiredness, luck of interest etc. You have to convince her to do it. You have to press her a little.

30 minutes prior to bed time give her 1-2 pills of Valerian Root. It should improve her sleep. Her good sleep need to be restored. It is a foundation for any successful depression treatment.