Hi, those hearing noises while asleep could be attributed to "exploding head syndrome" certainly what you describe feeling after it, the anxiety, the almost terrifying feeling and fear of falling back asleep in case it happens again sounds familiar.

Physicians tend to focus on one thing and the need to "make that better" before looking into other problematic conditions, particularly if your primary is so focused on your depression you can find it hard to get them to consider other things. Have you actually been told you are in denial, or is it the way in which you are treated that infers you are in denial? It can be particularly hard to have quality conversations with your doctor when they treat you as if you are being "difficult" and not listening to them the "professional". Regrettably, primary doctors are presented with a whole spectrum of patient disorders & often one disorder becomes their expertise because they deal with it so often. They can become closed to other possibilities because it's easier to fall back on what they know and the main symptoms you present with.

I suggest you talk to your primary and before you engage in any conversation thank them for their kindness and patience in seeing you, be genuine, tell them you are accepting of your depression diagnosis and more than willing to participate in whatever treatment they recommend. But, in addition you would like he or she to know, you have had these frequent frightening episodes, explain the episodes in very short terms, (don't make it a long dragged out story, be brief and factual) it helps if you write down your symptoms so you can read to the Primary this is what happens and how often it happens. Then ask the question, you wonder if in their opinion a referral to a specialist (neurologist) will assist you in your recovery by either ruling out epilepsy, or confirming it. I wouldn't talk about 20 years ago, just talk about what's going on now.

You have absolutely nothing to lose by having this conversation with your doctor. Doctors are renowned for their dislike of being told what to do, they dislike patients presenting with a forgone diagnosis, but they do respond well to acknowledgement and acceptance of their opinions, subtle flattery goes extremely well. By asking them if in their opinion a referral is necessary you are putting them in charge of the decision making.

I had 2 grand mal seizures in 2012, 4 months apart. Both times I was suffering with extreme anxiety and severe headache pain. During the first seizure in August, I fractured my thoracic spine in 3 places, fractured 2 ribs and sustained a stress fracture to S1. It took 6 weeks for them to diagnose the fractures because the GP was focused on my usual lower back pain. I went to my GP 3 times following the August seizure, I thanked her for seeing me again and in tears I explained I was struggling to breath and felt as though my internal organs no longer fit inside anymore. I asked her if she thought an X-Ray would be worthwhile as the pain was so bad. I clearly recall putting the decision in her hands and she nonchalantly said, "oh I suppose so" and filled out the X-ray form. While she was doing that I also asked if she thought seeing a neurologist would be worthwhile and she agreed it wouldn't hurt and filled out a referral. I went straight from the surgery to the radiologist, had the X-ray and came home. Within 2 hours of being home I got a phone call from my GP. She was super kind and friendly and said "uhm Pam, you have all these fractures and that's why you have been in so much pain, you need to see this specialist and I've had the girls make an appointment for you" ... I made my appt to see the neurologist and was fortunate to see him before I saw the back specialist. He did a number of tests and put me on lyrica, epilepsy was ruled out and the seizures attributed to being in such acute pain.

Sometimes we have to take control of our health care, but do so in such a way that the care providers still believe they are in charge. It is hard I know to be at the mercy of these people taking us seriously, I feel for you and what you are going through. Be strong, we are all here to support you in your journey and quest for better health. Use the search button on here look up Dr Smith who has a link on how to talk to your doctor. It may help you.