Depression and Occassional Panic Attacks... Drs note?

I'm not sure if I've posted this is the right space, so please feel free to move if necessary...

Anywho, I'm a student, not long left and I've been feeling totally crap since last year... depression without relief and anxiety attacks... I had one of these anxiety attacks in theatre yesterday... not cool, although I managed to hopefully go unnoticed.
I've been avoiding the dr since last year as I'm conscious of any diagnosis and/or medication hindering future employment, however yesterday has scared the ¤¤¤¤ out of me. I really think I need some time off from placement (despite only having just under two weeks to go), but if I do go to the doc and am granted a sick note and meds, will I still be able to go to uni theory block? A friend mentioned uni not being insured if I'm there when a doc has signed me off.

Help! This in itself is making me even more anxious... I cannot even begin to contemplate having to repeat the modules I might miss... and I usually really enjoy theory.

Is it possible to get the doc to give me a note for just my remaining placement time?

Anon E Mouse

Aw hun ((( hugs )))

Have you spoken to anyone at uni about what is going on? A trusted lecturer or something? It sounds like you have been going through a hellish time.... You have made a massive step getting to this stage where you have recognised you need support. Go to see you gp and see what they say, if you are signed off sick it is unlikely you will be allowed in for theory but you still need to see you gp and talk to someone.

I hope someone else comes along with more uselful info, I am rubbish at this stuff as its usually me that's a mess xxx

Well done for realising you need support, not sure about the insurance thing but its sounds about right to me.

I recomend speaking to someone at the university first of all.

Do you know where the depression and anxiety stems from? If its due to an event, councilling might be a good idea(does the uni offer a service)

If you cant put your finger on a particular reason/experience then def speak to your doctor, they can provide forms of councilling and/or antidepressants/anti-anxiety medication, I know many peope do not like the idea of taking them but if you take a low dose they can provide the 'crutch' needed to get you through difficult times-take the edge off, if you like.

(Only talking from my own experiences of course)

Good luck and take care. x

University tutors have been totally unsupportive... they're about as good as a chocolate teapot... which is another reason I'm worried... I'm concerned that they will use my doctor's note and any granted time off against me personally. I have considered filing a formal complaint against a university tutor for harassment and discrimination, however I'm just not sure I've got it in me at the moment... and I only have five days from time of incident to make the complaint.

Sounds like you need to speak to someone at uni that isnt one of your tutors to get some relevant advice hun, I dont know what departments are available as im not at uni yet but is there some kind of 'student services' type team, thats what we have at college so im only guessing!

Hope you get things sorted out Anon. Stay strong x

Feel for you. I was a student midwife and a member on here under another name. I left my course because I was getting more and more depressed and anxious and didn't feel I could go to my GP as my community placement was based there, felt too embarrassed to talk to anyone and let it all get the better of me. My lifetime ambition in ruins and I wasn't even honest to my friends and tutors, told them I didn't like midwifery. Please do not do what I did. See your GP and get the help, even if you have to take some time out its got to be better than getting too unwell. xxxxx

Hi anon e mouse
You have made the first step in admitting that you need more support for this. Don't try and bottle it all up. I know that you say your tutor has been unsupportive but is there someone else like a module leader or other tutor you could talk to who you feel comfortable with? They would probably need to get an Occupational Health referral done for you as well which is confidential. The Uni will not be covered if you do get a GP letter but you need time out at the moment. Could you see a different GP? One of the issues is that if you have a full blown panic/anxiety attack whilst at work, it puts not only you but your colleagues and more importantly, the woman and baby at great risk (hope that dosen't sound too harsh). You can get great support from your university counselling team which is confidential and they usually run workshops or one to one sessions to help as well as any support that your GP can give you. You are the main priority at the moment and your health and well being. Midwifery will still be there if you take time out and it will not go against you when you come to qualify. All the best, I hope all goes well HOC