We all feel a little down sometimes, but depression is much more than that. It’s a psychological condition that can have a severe impact on your day-to-day life.
According to the mental health charity Mind, 3.3 in 100 people in England suffer from depression each year, while a further 7.8 in 100 experience a mixture of depression and anxiety, so you’re not on your own.
Everyone experiences depression differently. Some people suffer from mild symptoms, while others experience severe depression that can lead to them feeling suicidal. Your triggers and symptoms are entirely unique to you and our supportive doctors will help you find the treatment method that you need.
What are the symptoms of depression?
Depression has a wide range of physical and psychological symptoms, but the main signs you may be depressed are if you’ve been feeling sad or low for more than a couple of weeks.
Other common symptoms include a lack of interest in things you used to enjoy, feeling constantly tired or on the verge of tears, thoughts of harming yourself, aches and pains, poor sleep and sudden weight loss.
There are many factors that can trigger depression. Psychological factors such as stress or anxiety in your work, home or social life can all contribute. There can also be physical factors, such as an injury or long-term illness, and even biological factors, including your family history or a chemical imbalance in your brain.
By asking questions, our doctors can pinpoint factors that could be triggering your depression and help you take steps to manage or avoid them.
Once our doctors have listened to your symptoms, they’re in a position to recommend the most effective treatment.
This normally takes the form of either talking therapies (such as counselling or Cognitive Behavioural Therapy), medication, or a combination of the two.
If you choose to go for therapy, during your first session, you’ll discuss the issues you’re facing and what triggers your symptoms. This will help your specialist create a detailed treatment plan to deal with your symptoms. This will progress each time you meet with your therapist.
Depression can affect women during their pregnancy (prenatal), or after they give birth (postnatal). Pregnant women are more at risk of depression due to the fluctuation of hormones in their body.
Some pregnant women choose to keep their symptoms to themselves, in order to avoid being judged. Our doctors understand what you’re going through and will provide sensitive, practical advice for dealing with prenatal or postnatal depression.
Men can experience postnatal depression too. Our doctors are happy to help new dads who are feeling the pressure of parenthood.
How is depression diagnosed?
Our doctors will discuss your symptoms with you in order to form a diagnosis. They’ll ask you a range of questions about how you’re feeling and it’s important that you answer honestly.
Remember, our doctors aren’t here to judge or criticise. They’ll keep your answers completely confidential and use them to form the most effective treatment plan for you.
Every one of our doctors is registered with the General Medical Council and can be found on the NHS National Performers List, so you know you are only ever receiving the best possible care and advice.
They are experienced in treating a wide range of conditions, and can help with almost everything your regular GP could in a physical surgery. You can meet some of our doctors here.
Push Doctor also has an in-house Medical team, who support our doctors day in, day out, and enable our doctors to do what they do best. They are also responsible for the ongoing training and development of doctors on our platform.
CQC regulated
Push Doctor is regulated by the Care Quality Commission (CQC), the independent regulator of health and social care in England.
They are the foremost authority in our industry, assessing health providers' ability to provide people with safe, effective, compassionate and high-quality care – be they offline or online doctors.
Push Doctor is registered with the CQC under the name 'Square Health', with the registration number 1-3060117803.
Our most recent inspection took place in May 2019, concluding that the service we provide is safe, effective, caring, responsive and well-led – gaining a 'Good' rating overall. You can read the report in full on our CQC profile.
Same day prescriptions
Our NHS-trained GPs can, if appropriate, issue prescriptions online following a consultation. Once your consultation is complete, our team will search for the closest pharmacy to you which has your medication available. We'll then send you a text when your prescription is ready to collect.
To collect your medication, simply hear to the nominated pharmacy to collect and pay for your prescription. You will need to take a valid form of ID to show the pharmacist when you arrive. This process is almost always done within the same day of your consultation.
Instant fit (sick) notes
Our GPs can send a sick/fit note directly to you if necessary following an online consultation. These can be sent directly by email or first-class post.
Fit notes include recommendations about how and when you'll be able to return to work or education, or whether you're able to return to work with amended duties (e.g no heavy lifting or reduced hours). They can also contain detailed advice about managing your medical issue in the workplace.
