i wondered if some of you could tell me what exactly mental health issues one may have with lupus. i suffer with severe bouts of depression, they can last months or weeks, this year the latter part of february and all of march i was so depressed i didnt get out of bed unless i had too. (this was on zoloft and anxiety meds) for some reason i have developed agoraphobia, basically my problem is i cant leave the house without having great anxiety from the driving part to going places where there are lots of people, i guess my home is my "safety zone" but this has just gradually built up to the point i am home bound most of the time. my husband has to do all the shopping, its that bad. i am seeing a psychiatrist and psychologist for this but some things meds just cant fix like im a prisoner in my own home. just wondered if any body else is going thru this. my mind constantly races, i cant read a book without having to read the same line 2 or 3 times and i cant seem to remember anything my mind is just gone. i can be in mid sentence talking to someone and cant remember what we were talking about, you talk embarrasing , its taken me 30 minutes to write this, ugggggggggggg - and remember i am the one who has "borderline lupus" and am not being treated, i am being treated for fibromyalgia, i am on neurotin, zoloft, prazosin, and occasionally i will take a flexeril. i use to be so strong both mentally and pshysical. i am just at a loss
gotta go we are getting the bad weather now, i get to look forward to this tornado stuff for 2 days now, me and the critters are heading to the closet !!
Mental health issues are common with lupus, especially depression and anxiety disorders. There is also the lupus "fog" that can cause memory and cognition problems. I have suffered from panic attacks and bouts of depression. It has taken counseling and medication to get things under control. It does take some time though. Agoraphobia is difficult to work through, but it can be done. It is a process so try not to get frustrated and give up. Start small and work your way up to longer and farther outings. You psychologist should help you work through this at the appropriate pace. Can you tell I was a psych major? Haha
I also have the lupus "fog" and I have those moments where I can't remember what I was talking about to someone. It's embarrassing at first, but you'll learn to laugh about it. Even "normal" people can lose their train of thought so try not to be so hard on yourself when you have those moments. I've forgotten how to spell my name even!
With the help of your psychiatrist, psychologist, doctors, and support groups, you will regain a new level of mental and physical strength. It is a process so don't give up! We're here for all the encouragement and advice you may need.
thank you so much, i never been so unstable like this in my life, i did counseling years ago for ptsd, i guess some of these things just stay with you for life. have a great day, and by the way the weather calmed a bit but its going to start up again around midnight and all day tomorrow, talk about anxiety !!
Before I was diagnosed, I thought I was ADD because I couldn't focus or follow through with things. I start doing something, walk to another room and forget what I was doing and start something else. I forget words and its really frustrating... Like you explained - my mind races and it makes me feel out of control. I'm depressed, and I cry easily.
I also suffer from these same issues. I remember being in school and even still to this day, having to read something several time before I could absorb it. The best thing I found for that is to slowly read it outloud and to myslef and I seem to retain it better. The forgetfulness is so annoying. I made a calendar with all doctors appt, birthdays and holidays. I took stickers and markers and drew in pictures on various days of importancy.
The depression and anxiety can be debilitating and overwhelming. I have been diagnosed with severe manic depressant, bi polar. The medicine that works for me is call risperdal. Zoloft didn’t have any relief for my daughter. You might want to monitor what you watch on tv as well. I stopped watching shows that I already expected to be filled with drama and violence.This actually made me feel better because I didn’t have the stress from that.
I too have had issues with not wanting to leave the house. I truly believe it’s because people, including doctors, hosptials, family and friends seem to make me feel less important or misunderstood. When you are so used to people letting you down, you are not so quick to want others in. I started to realize that I pushed everyone away because I am afraid to get hurt even more. You know your house is yours and at least you feel a sense of security there. With so many things going on you start to lose your track of who you are, what you like and really your identity. Try and stay positive and have faith in yourself.
i have just bursted out crying too and i dont even know why - its not like a hormonal thing its like something i cant control, i have anger outburst too-its really scary and my family must think im nuts!!
Trisha said:
Kel
Before I was diagnosed, I thought I was ADD because I couldn't focus or follow through with things. I start doing something, walk to another room and forget what I was doing and start something else. I forget words and its really frustrating... Like you explained - my mind races and it makes me feel out of control. I'm depressed, and I cry easily.
you just described me to the tee-and i am like you anybody who hurt me or talked about me i pushed away and wont let anybody in, i think i am bi-polar but my doctor doesnt agree, oh well, the meds i am on right now are working a bit so we'll see, i will be thinking of you and your family as well.
Destiny Scott said:
I also suffer from these same issues. I remember being in school and even still to this day, having to read something several time before I could absorb it. The best thing I found for that is to slowly read it outloud and to myslef and I seem to retain it better. The forgetfulness is so annoying. I made a calendar with all doctors appt, birthdays and holidays. I took stickers and markers and drew in pictures on various days of importancy.
The depression and anxiety can be debilitating and overwhelming. I have been diagnosed with severe manic depressant, bi polar. The medicine that works for me is call risperdal. Zoloft didn't have any relief for my daughter. You might want to monitor what you watch on tv as well. I stopped watching shows that I already expected to be filled with drama and violence.This actually made me feel better because I didn't have the stress from that.
I too have had issues with not wanting to leave the house. I truly believe it's because people, including doctors, hosptials, family and friends seem to make me feel less important or misunderstood. When you are so used to people letting you down, you are not so quick to want others in. I started to realize that I pushed everyone away because I am afraid to get hurt even more. You know your house is yours and at least you feel a sense of security there. With so many things going on you start to lose your track of who you are, what you like and really your identity. Try and stay positive and have faith in yourself.
I have the “house” issue as well. I can take myself to the grocery a few blocks away on good days. Sometimes I get a wild hair and want my husband to take me somewhere, but by the time I put the effort in to get cleaned up and get there, I’m tired and want to go back home. I have the mental hiccups and depression/anxiety as well. Cymbalta seems to help with the depression. If I absolutely have to, I take Xanax for any uncontrollable anxiety.
Yes, spendaholic is one of the issues that comes a long with bi polar. You tend to spend money, bill money thinking you can make up later by putting something else off. Once you spend the money, you feel overwhelming regret for doing so.
Some people have sex binges. They want sex non stop and can not find satifaction regardless of how great the experience was. I wouldn’t consider someone being loose or easy, this can happen in relationships with your partner.
The manic part can be scary. You feel invincible to say the least. When I get these moments, I feel that I can do anything without consequence. I think I am a bad arse and carry myself as one. Trying to put this the most polite way possible. It’s like having an alter ego.
The highes and lows can be tricky too. You cry out of no where. You become extremely sensitive to what people say or something on tv can trigger you to be overcome with emotions and you have uncontrollable crying spells. Then you start feeling happy and everything seems funnier. You become so overwhelmed by the flip flop of this disorder that you tend to want to keep to yourself, at least until you get on the right regimen for you.
There is also the possibility of seeing and hearing things that aren’t there. I was put on a psychiatric medication that was suppose to help with all the stuff I mentioned, but the medicine actually made me see and hear things and caused me to have a elevated heart rate amd blood preasure. Once I was put on respidal, my life was a lot easier to live and I was finally in control of me. I still have issues with anxiety but awaiting treatment for it.
I think I covered most of the bases of this disorder. I know that wasn’t all of the issues that come along with it but it is a pretty good break down and somewhere to start. I’m hoping it was at least informative to someone seeking asnwers. The best way to find out all the stuff that comes a long with this is old fashioned research. Any search engine should have multiple links to ind out more.
Sometimes with lupus, it’s just plain old mood disorder along with depression. Trust the fact that all mental issues are serious and need to be addressed. Don’t put it off. If you experience problems in this area, contact your doctor as soon as possible to get you on a regimen that is best for you.
Hi!!!!!, Well ,Well, you are experiencing everything ,(but there is more to come), from the mental part of Lupus . It is hard to figure things out at times and to remember things but it is OKAY. You are doing the best already , seeing the doctors and taking the meds. You have to learn how to handle crowds of people all over again . yeah! that could be hard , sometimes -smile, but for the reasons of living in this world we have to do it ! Just relax and take it slow for your peace of mind . And when you can't handle crowds - exit your surroundings QUICKLY!!! The noise level will cause you to have some serious out burst , which then people will LOOK at YOU like you have flipped out and call they will call 911. Trust me , it has been done for me , spending 14 + days in a ward , it was relaxing but i knew that that was no place where i wanted to be , but it helped me also !! I have had LUPUS since 2011, and most f the things that you named above was very funny for me to read , it remind me of myself -smile . Don't be embrassed, it is okay, when the moment happens just keep talking , meaning don't pay attention to it and others won't either. Seriously , people don't know that you forgot what you are saying until you do , trust me . This still happens to me til this day . But of course my family, friends and others , have become immune to this , so now i LAUGH alot when it happens . And keep talking or doing whatever i was involved in . Only time will help with this and really there is NO CURE for this - it comes when it want , and at any given time so handle it to your ability . Lots of love ....Beverly L.
yes morgan i know where it comes from (bio dad) and i do have a neuro psych and i am getting counseling for ptsd-he was mean as a snake more like the devil-anyhoo take care
Morgan said:
Kel, so sad you are struggling with this. bipolar disorders can vary in extremes, from bp1 which gets the slap happies to the dark hole depressions, and everything in between. bipolar can be triggered in people because of stress, illness, trauma, even surgeries, etc. It is a real brain chemistry issue, not something anyone chooses to have. Being on meds that cross the blood brain barrier and are not interacting well can bring it out in some people as well.
My suggestion? a good psychiatric work up, preferably a neuro psychiatrist. and again, good clean nutrition, staying on a regular sleep schedule, and counseling to deal with depression and anxiety are very helpful. It does tend to run in families, so take an honest look around, especially on the maternal side and see if anyone else fits the symptom list. Was someone always way too happy, so down they were immobilized, black outs when angry, or meaner than a snake? A spend-aholic? No impulse control, or thought they could leap tall buildings in a single bound?
simply food for thought. HUGS!
kel said:
you just described me to the tee-and i am like you anybody who hurt me or talked about me i pushed away and wont let anybody in, i think i am bi-polar but my doctor doesnt agree, oh well, the meds i am on right now are working a bit so we'll see, i will be thinking of you and your family as well.
Theanine
Theanine is a dietary supplement used to treat various
conditions, including high blood pressure, anxiety, and
Alzheimer’s disease. It is an amino acid found in tea that
appears to increase serotonin and GABA levels in the
brain and protect brain nerves from damage caused by
Alzheimer’s. At this time, there is not enough scientific
evidence to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of
these supplements.
We’ve known for a few years that people
who eat a diet rich in fish are less likely to
be depressed. But new research shows
that one nutrient in fish might actually be
more effective against depression than
traditional antidepressants. The nutrient
is an omega-3 fatty acid called EPA
(eicosapentaenoic acid).
As you well know there are risks with all consumable products, intended to treat the nody. I have taken both these products at home and had wonderful results. However, results may very so talk to your doctor before starting a health regimen.
Now that I think about things more, I realize that people being so sick and out in public, really made me want to avoid the world. It seems like every
time I turn around, I caught something new. The sad thing is, even if I stay at home I can’t avoid getting sick. My girls are always bringing something new home. I buy them hand sanitizer but feel it doesn’t help if they aren’t using it.
Sometimes I have no trouble talking to a stranger. For me, being able to help some one in need is truly a wonderful feeling. I try to teach this to my daughters. We helped a homeless man one day by buying him a tent and blankets and giving him money for food. It’s not bragging, it is how it made my daughter feel that was totally satisfying. She felt so much joy from doing such a wonderful thing.
The point I am making is, life is always a gamble. It is up to you to find ways to make it more enjoyable.
i do have a neuro psych and psychologist for therapy but everything you just described is me, he put me on neurotin, prazosin (for sleep) i was going 2-3 days without sleep, flexeril and zanex but i dont like taking them cause im worthless-thx for the info
Destiny Scott said:
Yes, spendaholic is one of the issues that comes a long with bi polar. You tend to spend money, bill money thinking you can make up later by putting something else off. Once you spend zthe money, you feel overwhelming regret for doing so.
Some people have sex binges. They want sex non stop and can not find satifaction regardless of how great the experience was. I wouldn't consider someone being loose or easy, this can happen in relationships with your partner.
The manic part can be scary. You feel invincible to say the least. When I get these moments, I feel that I can do anything without consequence. I think I am a bad arse and carry myself as one. Trying to put this the most polite way possible. It's like having an alter ego.
The highes and lows can be tricky too. You cry out of no where. You become extremely sensitive to what people say or something on tv can trigger you to be overcome with emotions and you have uncontrollable crying spells. Then you start feeling happy and everything seems funnier. You become so overwhelmed by the flip flop of this disorder that you tend to want to keep to yourself, at least until you get on the right regimen for you.
There is also the possibility of seeing and hearing things that aren't there. I was put on a psychiatric medication that was suppose to help with all the stuff I mentioned, but the medicine actually made me see and hear things and caused me to have a elevated heart rate amd blood preasure. Once I was put on respidal, my life was a lot easier to live and I was finally in control of me. I still have issues with anxiety but awaiting treatment for it.
I think I covered most of the bases of this disorder. I know that wasn't all of the issues that come along with it but it is a pretty good break down and somewhere to start. I'm hoping it was at least informative to someone seeking asnwers. The best way to find out all the stuff that comes a long with this is old fashioned research. Any search engine should have multiple links to ind out more.
Sometimes with lupus, it's just plain old mood disorder along with depression. Trust the fact that all mental issues are serious and need to be addressed. Don't put it off. If you experience problems in this area, contact your doctor as soon as possible to get you on a regimen that is best for you.
Yes, spendaholic is one of the issues that comes a long with bi polar. You tend to spend money, bill money thinking you can make up later by putting something else off. Once you spend the money, you feel overwhelming regret for doing so.
Some people have sex binges. They want sex non stop and can not find satifaction regardless of how great the experience was. I wouldn't consider someone being loose or easy, this can happen in relationships with your partner.
The manic part can be scary. You feel invincible to say the least. When I get these moments, I feel that I can do anything without consequence. I think I am a bad arse and carry myself as one. Trying to put this the most polite way possible. It's like having an alter ego.
The highes and lows can be tricky too. You cry out of no where. You become extremely sensitive to what people say or something on tv can trigger you to be overcome with emotions and you have uncontrollable crying spells. Then you start feeling happy and everything seems funnier. You become so overwhelmed by the flip flop of this disorder that you tend to want to keep to yourself, at least until you get on the right regimen for you.
There is also the possibility of seeing and hearing things that aren't there. I was put on a psychiatric medication that was suppose to help with all the stuff I mentioned, but the medicine actually made me see and hear things and caused me to have a elevated heart rate amd blood preasure. Once I was put on respidal, my life was a lot easier to live and I was finally in control of me. I still have issues with anxiety but awaiting treatment for it.
I think I covered most of the bases of this disorder. I know that wasn't all of the issues that come along with it but it is a pretty good break down and somewhere to start. I'm hoping it was at least informative to someone seeking asnwers. The best way to find out all the stuff that comes a long with this is old fashioned research. Any search engine should have multiple links to ind out more.
Sometimes with lupus, it's just plain old mood disorder along with depression. Trust the fact that all mental issues are serious and need to be addressed. Don't put it off. If you experience problems in this area, contact your doctor as soon as possible to get you on a regimen that is best for you.
Somethimg else I just remembered I do is read stuff backwards. I noticed I’d completely misread a set of words. When that happened in the past, I wouldn’t try to push myself because I knew I was having an episode and it would eventually pass. I really think it hendered me when it came to the desire to read a good book. It did make some things difficult but I did learn to manage it better.
yes, i read that but i had these issues for years, long before the neurotin.
Ann A. said:
Dear Kel,
Depression is one of the major symptoms of lupus. For some of us the depression is also associated with our low vitamin D levels. But do not rule out the Neurontin as playing a role in cognitive issues. The Neurontin is not as bad some of the anticonvulsants that I have been on. Anticonvulsant medications act directly on the brain and they function in such a way to interfere with how the brain receives signals. Sometimes they interfere with the signals that you want to get. On one of the anticonvulsants, I had to think about the sequence of steps required to turn off the car. I had to write myself a note and put in on the visor - PUT THE CAR IN PARK BEFORE YOU TURN OFF THE ENGINE. After I ran the second red light, I refused to take that one anymore - and oh by the way - all anticonvulsants interfere with vitamin D and it was that same anticonvulsant that sent my levels down into the toilet.
So you have a lot going on that could related to your depression. I wish you the best of luck in ferreting it out those causes that you can be changed or eliminated.
i am replying to your discussion regarding theanine is this right, i am replying right ???
Destiny Scott said:
Theanine Theanine is a dietary supplement used to treat various conditions, including high blood pressure, anxiety, and Alzheimer's disease. It is an amino acid found in tea that appears to increase serotonin and GABA levels in the brain and protect brain nerves from damage caused by Alzheimer's. At this time, there is not enough scientific evidence to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of these supplements.
We've known for a few years that people who eat a diet rich in fish are less likely to be depressed. But new research shows that one nutrient in fish might actually be more effective against depression than traditional antidepressants. The nutrient is an omega-3 fatty acid called EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid).
As you well know there are risks with all consumable products, intended to treat the nody. I have taken both these products at home and had wonderful results. However, results may very so talk to your doctor before starting a health regimen.
Now that I think about things more, I realize that people being so sick and out in public, really made me want to avoid the world. It seems like every time I turn around, I caught something new. The sad thing is, even if I stay at home I can't avoid getting sick. My girls are always bringing something new home. I buy them hand sanitizer but feel it doesn't help if they aren't using it.
Sometimes I have no trouble talking to a stranger. For me, being able to help some one in need is truly a wonderful feeling. I try to teach this to my daughters. We helped a homeless man one day by buying him a tent and blankets and giving him money for food. It's not bragging, it is how it made my daughter feel that was totally satisfying. She felt so much joy from doing such a wonderful thing.
The point I am making is, life is always a gamble. It is up to you to find ways to make it more enjoyable.
These illnesses can become overwhelming to deal with. Then comes the environment--work, home, family, and friends. The icing on the cake is when we "morn" our health (cry remembering how healthy we were). I'll say we are "normal" and no one should blame us if we react to our dilemma. It is part of the package we get with the disease. Anti-depressives don't hurt.