I went to a mental health nurse. He gave me a low dose of an anti-depressent, and ordered blood tests.
He wants me to have 15+ blood tests for all sorts of stuff-- lipids, vitamin D, etc.
It's going to cost well over $2000. I can't afford it. I'm in my 20s, poor college student. Insurance will pay some, perhaps even most, but I still can't afford it after that.
I hate blood tests. 15+ blood tests for typical depression seems WAY over the top to me. WAY over the top.
I understand that it's precautionary, but.... seriously? For frickin depression??!?!?!
I have a hard time getting to sleep out of worrying. Have depression and anxiety. But, 15 blood tests? I'm NOT a heart patient. I'm young. No major pain or ailments. Young healthy 20something.
I understand a cholestorol panel would be good preventative measures, but I'm in my 20s, healthy as a horse, no existing conditions, perfect blood pressure, no unexplained symptoms, can walk miles just fine, no shortness of breath, no weird rashes, just depression and anxiety.
One day it would be good to have those tests to "make sure," but I hate blood tests, only have depression/anxiety right now, and simply can't spend $2000+ (before insurance) on blood work when there's nothing alarming with my health at all. It seems way over the top, at best. Preventative is a good idea, but surely we could draw the line at some of this.
I have NO health problems. NONE.
Perfect blood pressure, a little high from being nervous at the nurse's office.
No surgeries, serious illnesses, or hospitalizations EVER.
No illnesses EVER.
No addictions, not diabetic (already tested for that several times over the years, inc. this year.)
No allergies.
No alcohol, no smoking, never done any form of drugs or smoking.
No family history of ANYTHING-- not diabetes, heart, etc.
Family has no major conditions- healthy, active, long life spans for most relatives.
I'm straight up HEALTHY.
Young poor college student-- In my 20s.
I'm overweight, but NOT 300 pounds sedentary. I can easily walk around a huge lake for hours.
Have migraines since I was a kid-- had a full test of everything back then (blood test, CAT scans or whatever, the whole thing... nothing wrong me with, just migraines.)
What would you do if you were me?
Seriously take 15+ blood tests because of depression? For $2000+ before insurance?
Find another mental health nurse?
Find a psychiatrist instead?
Quit and not take anything?