Coming clean
Question
I've recently been diagnosed with depression and prescribed Prozac. But I haven't been totally honest with my doctor. I used to self harm and make myself sick but didn't actually tell him this.
The problem is, I recently tried to commit suicide after an argument with a friend and I took all my medication in one go. Now I don't know what to do. If I go back and ask for more I'll have to tell him what I tried to do and talk about the stuff I've done in the past. What should I do?
Answer
It sounds like things have been very upsetting for you recently, especially as you say you have been suicidal and taken an overdose. Depression can be very isolating and emotions can appear so complicated you may find it difficult to explain to anyone how you are feeling.
Difficult feelings are quite often the reason why people self harm. Self harm can be a means of communicating what someone can't put into words or even into thoughts. It can also be a way of releasing painful emotions, such as rage, sadness, emptiness, guilt or fear. Self harm can take various forms, including making yourself sick. The Young People and Self Harm website contains lots of information and advice you might like to look at.
People can find talking to trusted friends and family members about their feelings can help them. This may also give friends and family better insight into the situation, helping them to offer more effective support and understanding. But, this can seem hard, and if you feel uncomfortable talking to your parents or friends, then you might consider talking in confidence to SANELINE on 0845 767 8000.
Like any medication, Prozac does have side effects, and some reports have included the side effect of suicidal thoughts or feelings, which you might like to discuss with your prescribing doctor. But, you may be feeling suicidal for a number of possible underlying reasons. As you have acted on these feelings, you're right to feel concerned.
Although you took all your tablets in an overdose, it is not advisable to suddenly stop taking anti-depressants and there is a danger of experiencing withdrawal symptoms such as rebound depression. So, it is important to seek medical advice before making any changes to medication.
Your local doctor (GP) is there to help you, but they can only do this if you talk to them about everything you are feeling and doing. They may be able to offer further assistance if they knew about your history of self harming and your current thoughts of suicide.
There are other types of support out there too. Depression can be treated with a combination of medication and a form of talking therapy. You do not mention if you have been referred to a counsellor or therapist, but local counselling services can be found via Youth Access. The British Association For Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) also have an online search engine to enable you to search for a local counsellor. Sometimes it's easier to talk to a stranger about things, they can help you explore thoughts and feelings in an honest, confidential and non-judgemental environment.
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