Depression

I've struggled with Depression for years but lately its gotten so much worse since I was diagnosed with Interstitial Cystitis as well as other health problems shortly after being married two years ago.

I really just need some support and people to talk to about chronic pain, Depression, Invisible illnesses, Whatever comes to mind.

My hardest challenge with my illnesses is dealing with the judgement of people everywhere I go. Well, that and my limitations because of my illnesses.

Most people that find out I have an invisible illness say one of a few things. “But you don’t LOOK sick.” Or, “You’re just doing this for attention/pain medications.”

Let me tell you something, I would never lie and fake my health. You think I WANT to be as sick as I am? To be barely able to get out of bed in the morning? Having to give up most if not all of my daily activities due to the limitations of my health? NO!

This has been a struggle for two years and I’ve hated and resented every second of the disabilities. Every morning I struggle to get out of bed and try to have a normal life as possible. But over the past two years, my limitations have made me re-learn and re-train my body to find my new limits of what I am able to do each day. These limits cannot be stretched or changed. Otherwise I end up overdoing it and struggling even harder the next day to do the simple things such as making lunch or sweeping the floor.

There is a website & FB page called "But You Don't Look Sick."
http://www.butyoudontlooksick.com

I don't have chronic pain but I do struggle with depression & anxiety, which often is an invisible illness to outsiders. I've heard "but you're so outgoing & happy, how can you be depressed?" Or the best one "You're too pretty to be depressed." *shaking my head*

These comments were from people I love and respect. Sadly, just like our illnesses don't discriminate, neither does ignorance :(

What're you doing to treat your depression? I know that doctors advise you need to get depression managed first as mental health plays a crucial role in healing and pain management. Also, seeing a therapist is very beneficial too.

My bff has Fibro & when her depression got managed, her physical pain was greatly reduced. Her psychiatrist is actually the one treating her Fibro too! She takes an antidepressant & Baclofen amongst some others I can't remember. She was using a cane just 2 yrs ago & now she's doing yoga! Ironically, she too suffered from chronic interstitial cystitis too and was on many antibiotics that never worked. She had intrusive testing and ultrasounds and nothing was ever found. Her kind urologist referred her to pelvic floor physical therapy and the symptoms stopped?! I'd never heard of pelvic floor PT until this year. It's a bit awkward at first bc they do go inside of you (vagina) but it was a miracle for my friend and she said the awkwardness wore off. There IS hope!

Stick around here and post as much as you like- we sure understand and are empathetic!

Sending much peace & healing-
Lisa

I am so sorry to hear about your grandma. That is terrible news. Spend as much time with her as you can. Make everyday count. I know you love her. So this is kind of devastating. But you will get through this, knowing she is going to a better place.

Know we are here for you. Do you see a therapist? You might want to talk to them if you do. You need support right now. I hope you feel better. Keep posting as it does help.

Again, so sorry,

Hugs, Karen...

There are rules, at the top of the page. Just click on "forum rules".

But we can't talk about suicide, or self harm. Religion or illegal drugs. But read the rules to be sure, I think that there are other things we can't do. Flaming others, or mods. I can't remember them all. Looks like I should read the rules again. Ha!!!

I am glad you are in therapy. I am too. Most of the members are, it really does help us. Sometimes we get ones that we don't click with, most of mine have been really good.

Hopefully you will feel better soon.

Hugs, Karen...

welcome to the forum.

Karbear it depends on the therapist, you can usually tell within 3-4 visits if you are comfortable with this person.

Journaling helps, take the journal with you, gives you a place to start talking is there is something you want to discuss.

As for the 'invisable' illness, those that love you best will learn about your illness and try to understand. Do not be surprised if family is not in this group of people. I have lost friends also.

A Depression support group is a wonderful thing to have in your life. It took me 6 mos to trust enough to keep going that was 2yrs ago. Now I am a facilitator. It is still hard at times. But I have made a core group of friends that are dear to me and we all understand the issues. And it is about understanding and being there for each other.

Just like here, post anytime, we will be here.

Peace
Trina

Wow, that sounds drastic Karbear,

But I guess if they don't approve of whatever, you are probably a lot happier than you would be if you had to listen to them complaining about the way you live YOUR LIFE...

Know we are your family now...

Hugs, Karen...

Thanks so much you guys! i have my in laws and everything but its not really easy to talk to them about anything serious.