Please Note: Due to volume considerations, not all questions can be answered. Questions most likely to be answered will be those of general interest to a broad group of visitors to this forum. Questions pertaining to a specific case; requests for diagnosis, medical advice, or second opinion; or requests for opinions about untested alternative therapies will generally not be answered.
The participation of Dr. Ewald Horwath in this Forum is made possible by Boehringer Ingelheim.
|
|
 |
|
Chronically Depressed
Oct 15, 2006
I was diagnosed HIV+ 8 months ago. Since then, my depression has worsened to the point where it's practically debilitating. I often can't get out of bed for days. I just spent the last 2 days in bed contemplating suicide. I was so depressed I didn't even call into work yesterday and never made it to my first appointment with a mental health group. I feel hopeless most times and can't seem to punch through these morbid feelings. I've been self-medicating with alcohol. This seems to make things even worse. Intellectually I know that I need help, but I freeze when it comes time to face the issues. I fear that my job may be in jeopardy because of the time I have taken off - usually to collapse in the bed for days. I haven't told my 19 year old son yet about my diagnosis. I don't know how to tell him. I just need some advice. Please help me.
Thanks.
NYC
|
 |
|
 |
|
Response from Dr. Horwath
You need to seek help immediately. You have a very serious depression and you need treatment. If necessary, take a medical leave from work. You cannot continue in this way because you will not improve and your chance of losing your job permanently will only increase. Getting treatment, on the other hand, can help you to recover, and will provide the necessary documentation you need to take a leave from work. If you have a documental illness, your employer is required to make reasonable accomodations for your treatment and recovery.
Since you are in NYC, you should have no trouble finding a psychiatrist. Get a referral from your HIV doctor.
|
|
|
 Please remember that this forum is designed for educational purposes only, and experts are not engaged through this
forum in rendering legal or medical advice or professional services. Experts appearing on this page are independent and are solely responsible
for editing and fact-checking their material. Neither The Body nor any sponsor is the publisher or speaker of posted visitors' questions or the experts' material.
Questions and messages posted to this forum are not statements of advice, opinion, or information of The Body, Body Health Resources Corporation or any sponsor of this
forum. While neither The Body nor Body Health Resources Corporation regularly reviews posted content, we reserve the right to delete, move, or
edit postings if we deem it appropriate under the circumstances. Visitors submitting questions remain solely responsible for the content of their
messages.
Information provided by experts is general only and should not be used for diagnosing or treating a health problem or a disease, or relied upon as
legal or other professional advice. This information is not a substitute for professional advice or care. If you have or suspect you may have a
health or legal problem, you should consult your own health care provider or your attorney.
Copyright notice.
|
|
|
|
