How to tell if it's depression or just part of being sick?

I also posted this over on Crohn's....

I feel so drained and exhausted, all of the time. I can do things if I have to - like taking care of my daughter. I go for walks in the morning if I can get my mom to go with me (or a friend). But then some days, when I don't HAVE to do anything, I don't. I haven't showered at all today or even gotten dressed, and I can't muster the energy to even think about it - it seems like something that is insurmountable and requires too much energy.

I worry that I'm depressed, but I don't have depression-like feelings. My husband doesn't think that I am, but he also enables me a bit.....jumps up to get me a glass of water that is just a few feet away so I don't have to do it.

Any kind of depression quizzes talk about not having energy, etc. So how do I balance that with being sick? Having D about 5 times a day, constant pain somewhere, and a foggy head from the fibro medication. Lol plus a 15 month old that wakes me up at 5a each morning wanting a bottle before needing to sleep with me for the next two hours (but sideways, so she kicks me in the stomach!).

I don't know, I think I am just kind of rambling at this point. Mostly my worry is because I feel so drained, so tired all of the time.....and if it's not something I have to do, I don't do it well. But I organize playdates for my daughter each morning, I tutor math each afternoon, and I go for walks almost every morning (2-4 miles). And all of that I committed to voluntarily.

Gah, I dunno.

Julie said it well, and I agree. Just having fibro can be such a rollercoaster ride. Every day when anyone has a chronic condition, it's a battle. And you sound incredibly busy!

We just keep doing the best we can, pace ourselves as much as possible, look for positive events/moments in the day, try to find a little time to relax, find something every day to laugh about (I like the clean jokes websites), and know that everything we're trying to juggle just makes us tired!

I find that for me,  if I try to unwind with some prayer time, relaxing music, a good movie, a book to divert my attention, etc., after a long day (not all of these the same day, obviously!), it helps me sleep better, and makes the next day a little more positive.

You sound like you already have a routine--that's good.  I make notes the night before of what I hope to accomplish the next day, what's for dinner, etc.  That takes some stress off of me.  And don't beat yourself up if you can't get it all done--few people can, even on our 'best' days.

I dealt with D for years (still do at times), so I totally understand that.  That alone is draining and quite a lonely experience.  Maybe you can counter that by planning something fun, buying yourself a small gift you've been wanting, etc.--something to look forward to.  Sometimes the littlest bright spots in the day can mean so much.  I'll bet your little one's smile can melt your heart!

Hope this helps a bit.  Keep posting as you feel the need to--we hear you.  Been there and done that.  Wish you a great week ahead!

Everyone gave you very good advice.

Just to add my two cents, not feeling positive doesn't mean your feeling negative. I spend most of my day in the neutral space and there's no depression there.

Oh yeah, that Giardia is nasty stuff! My daughter got it this summer, was tubing down a river with an open beer can and it must have splashed into the can. She was really sick for a few days. Antibiotics cleared it up pretty fast.

You've had it for such a long time - - hope the drugs work fast!!

Debbie