Depression

Hello and good day to everyone. I hope today finds you having a lower pain or painless day. I have been wondering for sometime now if depression is a huge factor for us fighting such a daunting battle with this ever changing disease? How do you know if what you are feeling needs to be brought up to a doctor or are you just having a difficult period in your life at that moment? I appreciate and welcome all comments, ideas, and suggestions. Thanks and have a great day!

Hi elfin.

Having to manage chronic illness and pain makes us vulnerable to depression. Depression is so insidious. It can lurk in the background keeping you feeling off, down until all of sudden it decides to consume you. Since you are having concerns and are feeling low, I think it may be time to discuss it with your doctor to stay ahead of it. br />

I hope you find answers and relief real soon.
Hugs,

Laurie

Hi Laurie! Thank you for your kind words of advice. I will definitely see about getting into my doctor and getting some help. I hope the day is a good one for you.

Sending you hugs as well,

Lisa

BaltimoreBaby said:

Hi elfin.
Having to manage chronic illness and pain makes us vulnerable to depression. Depression is so insidious. It can lurk in the background keeping you feeling off, down until all of sudden it decides to consume you. Since you are having concerns and are feeling low, I think it may be time to discuss it with your doctor to stay ahead of it. br />
I hope you find answers and relief real soon.
Hugs,
Laurie

I had the depression before the disease, at least I thought I did. However, according to the doc I have possibly had Lupus for several years. I have been in treatment for Lupus since 9/14 but I have been in treatment for depression 15 years and currently on disability due to it. I would not be able to cope with the disease without the help of the antidepressant. I currently take Pristique. I was taking Cymbalta, which also helped with the Fibromyalgia, but it quit working after taking for so long.

My point is, do not disregard the depression. Unexplained pain and other factors through the years had me depressed. I sought help and glad I did. This is a hard battle. You may be one of the lucky ones that can handle it without additional drugs or counseling. Keep a positive attitude and talk to someone when you need to vent. It helps. Have a blessed day!

From experience, yes depression is a huge part of chronic illnesses and I didn’t know that until I experienced it myself. I thought that the physicality of lupus would be my toughest battle but it’s not…my toughest battle is the toll that it takes on my mentality. I feel like a burden to my loved ones, at work, and just my overall environment. I can’t do the things I love to or used to do anymore whether I like it or not etc etc. Chronic illnesses rip us away from the things we loved about ourselves and our lives. But there is hope I feel. I know that I will overcome my insecurities and depression when the time is right

Thank you PoohP and PurpleDaisy! Both of you had some great insight to what I am going through. I

appreciate the personal stories you shared. It helps to know that I am not crazy or alone. For most of my battle, I felt I have been pretty positive about the whole thing. Lately, however, I just can't seem to bounce back as quickly as I used to. It really made me think there might be something else going on. I will be seeing my dr soon and will hopefully get back on track. Hugs to you all and thanks again.