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depression/hospital stay & fibro

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Posted 6/7/2010 4:36 PM (GMT 0)
I just got out of the hospital 2 weeks ago for severe depression. Not the first time in my life - it's actually about the 15th time....I've lost track. I was told that my fibro can cause depression. I talked with a gal at my church yesterday. She has fibro too, and suffers from depression. I guess I just want to know how common this is here in the forums. Everything, even little things or little decisions, seem to stress me out. I'm working on getting disability, with the help of a lawyer. I haven't worked since 2007. I'm tired of being depressed, or worrying about when the next bout will come. I see a psychiatrist, counselor, go to Al-anon meetings (problems from my father, brother, and sister), take my meds etc..... I try to keep busy as best I can with living in a new area where I don't know many people. I'm on a proper, doctor-run wellness program. So I eat just fine - I even walk a little. What am I doing wrong?
Posted 6/7/2010 5:14 PM (GMT 0)
Sometimes depression comes over us and we don't know why. You may have a chemical imbalance. I would talk to your doctor and find out. Most of us with fibro have experienced depression from it. Often you are grieving your past when you could do a lot more. Other times, it is just facing this on a daily basis. I recommend talking to your doctor, taking life one day at a time and try to stay in the moment. That is what works for me.

I hope that you feel better soon.

Hugs, Karen
Posted 6/7/2010 6:55 PM (GMT 0)
Myjoy, I think for all of us, fibro has gotten us down at some time or other, that's natural.
I do believe that some people have chemical imbalances that make them an easier
canidate for depression. I think there is a differance between being clinically depressed
and sadness.

When I first recieved all my diagnoses I felt uncertainty and sadness but was still able to function. I experianced grief and anxiety but I never felt hopeless, that's where I think the
differance is. Sadness usually leaves when you are able to accept what has happened...
Depression lingers.

We are all so differant, on differant meds, have differant life circumstances and that all
plays into how we feel. In the past I thought that emotions were choices but since I have
been on this forum, I have discovered that is not true for everyone. I am blessed that
I am mostly a positve person but know that for some that is a difficult thing.
I truly hope that you feel better soon!

Hugs, Robin
Posted 6/8/2010 12:53 AM (GMT 0)
Thanks for the perspectives. But I'm a little surprised that it's automatically thought that I am not a positive person and have a bad attitude. My name on here is myjoy. I picked it because I look for joy in everything - even fibro. Oh well - ya ask a question, and you get answers. That's how it works on forums. :)
Posted 6/8/2010 1:48 AM (GMT 0)
Myjoy,

I don't think anybody thought that you have a bad attitude, I certainly didn't.

I think people have to deal with depression differently. For one person it might be to go outside and sit and for another it might be medication. For me it is meds.

I think what the members are saying is that different things work for them.

Please know that we all here support you and want to see you feeling well. I hope that you stick with us. This forum really is a good place.

Hugs, Karen
Posted 6/8/2010 2:26 AM (GMT 0)
I was depressed this winter, denied but looking back on it, I was. anxiety runs in my family, I avoided it for 38 years.....until now, lol. I'm on meds for that and ask for them.

I know how hard it is to say, hey there is something wrong and I need help. Hang in there sis and you ARE NOT doing anything wrong. I will pray for ya.
Posted 6/8/2010 2:57 AM (GMT 0)
Depression is an illness, it is not a choice. I believe that if we are not depressed it is
easier to deal with emotions. I grew up with a family member who was hospitalized with
depression more than once. I watched him struggle with finding the right meds and often
talking about his unhappiness. He was lucky to finally find something that worked for him.

Myjoy, I am sorry if I offended you in any way, that was not my intention. I wish you well

Hugs, Robin
Posted 6/8/2010 4:05 AM (GMT 0)
So hard to say what causes something in another or what would help. Hope you get better.
Posted 6/8/2010 9:36 AM (GMT 0)
Hi myjoy,

Have you ever had your cortisol levels checked? Having high cortisol levels can cause severe depression and make it hard for a person to handle the "little things". This came to mind when I read your post and is just something that you can look into. I hope things get better for you soon.
Posted 6/8/2010 12:19 PM (GMT 0)

CajunGrl said...
Hi myjoy,

Have you ever had your cortisol levels checked? Having high cortisol levels can cause severe depression and make it hard for a person to handle the "little things". This came to mind when I read your post and is just something that you can look into. I hope things get better for you soon.

Hi CajunGrl, I know this is going to show up as part of your post/quote, but I couldn't get this to post anywhere else. Goofy thing. Anyway, I have never heard of this cortisol thing. I will ask my doctor about it when I see him next. Does a psychiatrist or a GP do this test? Thanks.

Posted 6/8/2010 12:22 PM (GMT 0)
KellieJo, I really appreciate your post. You understand.
Posted 6/8/2010 12:24 PM (GMT 0)
crazykitty - you did not offend me, and I really appreciate you saying that depression is an illness and not a choice.
Posted 6/8/2010 12:28 PM (GMT 0)
getting by - yes, it's meds for me too. And thanks for your concern.
Posted 6/8/2010 1:44 PM (GMT 0)
Myjoy,

Know that we all care about you here. And we do understand what you are going through. I also moderate the depression forum and want you to know that you are welcome to come there, even just to read if you want.

Depression can be a nasty beast. And often does follow along with the fibromyalgia. So know that you have plenty of support here and that we all care about you.

It is hard to put on a happy face everyday, and keep a good attitude when everything seems so difficult.  But it sounds like you are pushing through.  And I hope that we can help you do this.

Hugs, Karen

Posted 6/8/2010 2:02 PM (GMT 0)
Hi MyJoy,

Your depression can definitely be from Fibro. I have it every once in a while, especially when I am in a flare. When you said that you couldn't handle the little things, that's when I remembered the symptoms of high cortisol levels. Here is a website that you can read.

www.ehow.com/about_5052312_symptoms-elevated-cortisol-levels.html

An endocrinologist usually does this test, but I'm sure your GP could do it too.

Posted 6/9/2010 5:13 AM (GMT 0)
Hi Myjoy. I haven't responded yet because I was too depressed last night to go online and I do not post while at work. I have been depressed other times in the past. Sometimes I could help myself with attitude changes and sometimes, not. I can remind myself of things to be thankful for. This can be helpful. But this time I had to get medication. I waited too long and now am hanging on until the meds kick in. In the meantime, gratitude and exercise that I can do and knowing that depression will not last forever, do help some.

I am sorry that you are suffering so much and hope you feel better soon. You are not alone. I will be thinking of you and saying a prayer and sending positive thoughts your way.

(((((myjoy)))))
Posted 6/9/2010 12:00 PM (GMT 0)
Thanks Statgeek. And I hope you feel better soon. It's sure no fun.
Posted 6/9/2010 12:32 PM (GMT 0)
Hi myjoy, I have bouts of major depression but at times like now I can't for the life of me remember why, if that makes any sense?  Things are going pretty good at this time and I hope the clouds lift for you.

I totally understand not being able to handle the little things...........we are self employeed and I do the books, taxes, payroll and whatnot.  My problem usually revolves around money as in not enough to pay all the taxes....so I don't and we owe and owe.  There are times that I just can't even look at the books because I know what will NOT be there (money). 

I figure it this way, I have a vehicle, a home, a hubby, grand kids and many other things to keep me busy in the warmer months.  For now the darkness is staved off.............Good Luck

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