I love when people take the initiative to get help when they feel they need it. It's great!

Because you're 18 you can make an appointment with your local doctor/GP, and basically tell him the symptoms you're having. Because you've been feeling severely down for a long time, this counts as a symptom of depression. Also things such as losing interest in once favorite activities, weight fluctuation or insomnia/hypersomnia.
Once at least 5 symptoms have been established normally the doctor will ask you if you wish to try anti-depressants, and usually he will prescribe you for between 1-3 months worth of pills.
If he doesn't suggest this then you can ask him if anti-depressants would be suitable to your current situation.

Because you are at university I assume they would have a counselor there? Or some sort of program that helps people deal with the stresses of university and such?
If not you can always ask your doctor for a referral to a counselor, or psychologist, or even just ask around for a cheap one, although they might be a little pricey I'm sorry.

Good luck, have a lovely day.

- Sarah

Posted at 3:54 am on Nov. 21, 2008

If you are in Uni, I would imagine that they have student services there that provide counseling that usually doesnt cost anything to go to, its convinent and cheep.
If you are looking for something more then that, you are probably looking at something with a price. Im not all that sure of what the price in your country would be, sorry.
But you could go to the schools health center or your GP who would be able to give you some numbers to call and a referal to see a mental health professional.
Something to note about counseling is that it takes more then one session for it to help, and longer then one session to form a trusting relationship with the counselor. The general 'testing' time for seeing a new counselor is usually 2-3 sessions before quits is called.

It is usually suggested that one tries therpay/counselling before taking anti depressants. It is only in the sever cases, when the individual is suicidal, that medications come 1st when it can help with therapy. Medication and Therapy are often used together also.

I wish you the best of luck

Posted at 6:06 am on Nov. 20, 2008