Depression = :(

Hi everyone! I'm new to this forum (usually post in the GERD forum), but you guys seem like a great source of support!

I've had depression for 11 years and multiple sclerosis for 2 years. I had surgery for acid reflux 3 weeks ago, and since then my depression has worsened. I cry extremely easily, feel hopeless, and have no happiness or excitement in things that usually make my happy. My husband tries to be there for me emotionally (he has been working 12-13 hour days recently) but even that doesn't help. There have been some issues in our relationship, at least I feel there has been from my end, but I feel like I can't even talk to him about them. I feel so useless.

I'm on meds now and am going to see my primary doctor tomorrow hoping for an update or change in my medications. I can't stand feeling like this or putting my husband through this..I just want to be happy.

Hello, Amanda,

I can understand and sympathize with you readily. It's very good that you are going in to see your primary physician this week; you might wish to discuss these feelings that you have with that doctor. I'm sure you know from your own study of multiple sclerosis that depression is one of the major symptoms, so your doctor needs especially to know that you are suffering with that.

Don't feel embarrassed to discuss any of the symptoms of multiple sclerosis that you have with your physician. The more he knows, the better he's going to be able to pinpoint just the right medication to give you relief.

Try hard to center yourself--that is, not to see all the bad side and not to see the good side only--look for things to be generally well for you.
One of the best little books I've read recentlly is called "Keeping It
Simple". That's one good way to sugggest how you might treat depression: read the things that are designed to improve feeling tone. Keep things from getting complicated. Try resolving one thing at a time. If it's the depression you need help with, see to it that your doctor prescribes the best medication out there for those symptoms. Ask for it, Amanda, if you are willing.

If you are not seeing a psychiatrist for depression, you might wish to talk to one. These physicians are experts in care for depression, and they will know a good bit more about it than an internist or general practitioner, although there are many, many good general practitioners
who are caring and attentive.

It takes time, also, to recover from surgery. Allow yourself to feel getting better day by day. Expect it to take just a while for your system to recover from the operation.

Your husband loves you, and he will work with you while you try to
recover. Keep your eye on him and help him get the rest he needs from a 12 to 13-hour workday. The time will come when you will be able to assist him outside the home. For now, take care and be gentle with yourself. Watch your diet; get the good, wholesome vegetables that you need and easily digested meats, such as chicken,
lamb, turkey, etc. Back away from the spicy, highly-seasoned foods
and drinks containing caffeine. Reduce the amount of difficult-to-digest meats such as beef, pork, organ meats, etc. Avoid alcohol completely.
Caffeine and alcohol make depression worse.

And take care. Come back please and let us know what your doctor advises, and if you need additional help everyone here will try to assist.

It's Genetic

Hi Amanda - I'm sorry you have been feeling crappy lately.  I have been too but I try to keep reminding myself that it will get better if I keep pushing through it.  Even when I don't believe it will ever end, I try to keep pushing and not to give in to it all the way. 

Some things that help me are:  yoga - it saved my life at a time when I really almost gave up and it continues to help.  I tried it as a last resort and it has worked to help me move through some of my darkest hours.  Even when I don't feel like I want to get out of bed I push myself and most of the time I'm successful in getting onto my mat in the living room and turning on a Yoga DVD.  If I don't do anything else that day I feel better about myself - even the tiniest bit helps.  I also swim laps which, for me, is a lot like meditating and I do meditate also but I use guided meditation CDs because they help me to learn focus.  There's a great book/CD combo that has been very helpful.  It's called "The Mindful Way through Depression" written by Mark Williams, John Teasdale, Zindel Segal and Jon Kabat-Zinn. 

Nothing works everyday but they work often enough that I'm still alive and I didn't think I'd survive this latest depressive episode which I've now been in for 2 years.  Every day is a struggle but I'm still fighting. 

gillian

Hi Amanda,

I am just popping in to welcome you to the forum. Thank you for the positive post. I am glaed to know that music helps you. I think that is what you meant. When you said radio stations, I am assuming music. I hope that you have a wonderful day and a great Easter weekend.

Hugs, Karen