Your doctor

Your doctor should be your first stop if you suspect you may be suffering from depression.
Start by making an appointment with your general practitioner (GP). He or she will either be able to assess your symptoms and recommend appropriate treatment. And/or refer you on to a psychiatrist.

It is estimated that about half of people suffering from depression never go to the doctor. Of those who do go to the doctor, 25-30% have previously suffered from depression so they recognise their symptoms have returned.

Physical symptoms

Unfortunately, not everyone suffering from depression who goes to the doctor will be diagnosed with depression. Surveys show that 10-20% of patients who go to the doctor are diagnosed with a physical illness due to their physical symptoms. This is because many people who are suffering from depression describe physical symptoms, and this may mask the diagnosis of depression at initial presentations.

Its important to know that there are physical disorders which can cause depression-like symptoms, e.g. thyroid disease. This is why it is important for doctors to exclude physical causes of these symptoms prior to diagnosing depression.

Most patients suffering from depression start their treatment with their GP. Psychiatrists and the hospital sector only treat about 10% of depression cases.

Many patients who go to their doctor do so at the prompting of the people around them (their spouse or partner, children, friends, work colleagues etc).