HealingWell
Search Close Search
☰

Is clinical Depression/Anxiety common with Lyme?

Support Forums
>
Lyme Disease
✚ New Topic ✚ Reply
❬ ❬ Previous Thread |Next Thread ❭ ❭
Posted 9/15/2011 6:43 AM (GMT 0)
I have Lyme and also have clinical severe depression and anxiety disorders. Always have. Not sure how long I have had Lyme but have always been unwell, even as a child. I also have Candida issues I can't get rid of (long story). I am wondering if mental/emotional issues such as these are common in Lyme patients. I know it's obvious that people with Lyme will get depressed and anxious, but I'm talking about the kind caused by chemical/and or hormonal imbalances. And if any of you have these mental issues, have you found any meds to help you? I'm having trouble finding any, and have also tried many natural products and treatments as well. Thank you.
Posted 9/15/2011 11:24 AM (GMT 0)
When I was first diagnosed with Lyme Disease, I was having panic attacks and anxiety every day. Then, my symptoms slowly started getting worse and I had more and more symptoms as the months went by. Here is a short Lyme symptom list:

 

 

SYMPTOM CHECK LIST:

Unexplained fevers, sweats, chills, or flushing
Unexplained weight change--loss or gain
Fatigue, tiredness, poor stamina
Unexplained hair loss
Swollen glands
Sore throat
Testicular pain/pelvic pain
Unexplained menstrual irregularity
Unexplained milk production: breast pain
Irritable bladder or bladder dysfunction
Sexual dysfunction or loss of libido
Upset stomach
Change in bowel function-constipation, diarrhea
Chest pain or rib soreness
Shortness of breath, cough
Heart palpitations, pulse skips, heart block
Any history of a heart murmur or valve prolapse?
Joint pain or swelling
Stiffness of the joints, neck, or back
Muscle pain or cramps
Twitching of the face or other muscles
Headache
Neck creeks and cracks, neck stiffness, neck pain
Tingling, numbness, burning or stabbing sensations, shooting pains
Facial paralysis (Bell's Palsy)
Eyes/Vision: double, blurry, increased floaters, light sensitivity
Ears/Hearing: buzzing, ringing, ear pain, sound sensitivity
lncreased motion sickness, vertigo, poor balance
Lightheadedness, wooziness
Tremor
Confusion, difficulty in thinking
Difficulty with concentration, reading
Forgetfulness, poor short term memory
Disorientation: getting lost, going to wrong places
Difficulty with speech or writing
Mood swings, irritability, depression
Disturbed sleep-too much, too little, early awakening
Exaggerated symptoms or worse hangover from alcohol

If you go here https://www.healingwell.com/community/default.aspx?f=30&m=1606610, there is a longer list of symptoms.

 

Posted 9/15/2011 11:38 AM (GMT 0)
Hi all,

Onedaycloser, in my case I had an overload of ammonia not only in my brain but in my body too..   Ammonia is a toxin that causes brain fog, can cause lyme rage (it did with me), confusion, and the list goes on.   It is the most damaging toxin of all...

What helped me was taking a botanical that Dr. Jernigan grows himself and harvests called Neuro-Antitox Formula (the CNS/PNS).  It binds up the toxins and purges them out of your brain and body...

http://hansacenter.com/productinfo.html?neuro-antitox-ii-cns-pns

http://hansacenter.com/shop.php

Below is an article about ammonia and the brain:

http://hansacenter.com/pdfs/AmmoniaBloodBrainBarrier.pdf

Hope this helps!

Lymester, I don't think having a chemical imbalance is hogwash at all!   I was born with panic disorder and it runs in my family (all the females) for generations ... 

Long before I became infected with lyme I had joined this group therapy class that ran for 3 months that dealt with panic disorders and phobias and it didn't help me...  Those doctors (as well as other doctors) after doing some testing told me that my serotonin leaked out of my brain too fast causing panic disorder or severe anxiety..  I was prescribed an SSRI and I still take a low dose to this day and it helps me tremendously!  

Not everyone's chemicals work the same...  We are all unique...

Posted 9/15/2011 12:19 PM (GMT 0)
Hello One Day Closer,

My major symptoms before getting treatment were depression, anxiety, mood swings, rages and insomnia. I was started on sleeping pills and an antidepressant until my Lyme diagnosis came in. They took the edge off but what addressed the problem was to get treatment for the Lyme.

You mention that you have Lyme, but you do not mention if you are getting treatment. Many people get inadequate treatment for Lyme and then try to live with unresolved and even worsening symptoms. Is that the case for you?

Have you seen a Lyme Literate Doctor? I can't encourage you strongly enough to get this kind of qualified help. Let us know if you need help finding one.

The Candida overgrowth can also contribute to depression and anxiety. Again, an LLMD can help you with that as well as finding out if you have any co-infections.

Really you don't have to live with this.
Posted 9/15/2011 12:45 PM (GMT 0)
My first symptom too was anxiety and panic attacks.  Only much later on after many other symptoms did someone say to me that depression and anxiety go hand in hand.  I was severely depressed, crying, angry and miserable.  While I was using a low dose of xanax to get through the difficult times, I haven't used that in a while.  I am on a lowdose of antidepressant and after antibiotic treatment I am feeling SO much better and actually enjoying life.  Best to you.
Posted 9/15/2011 2:35 PM (GMT 0)
Thanks so much for all of the responses. I need to lie down but will try to reply later tonight.

Quickly... I too believe in chemical imbalances, as I have had one as long as I can remember and I also have major hormonal imbalance, for which nothing helps (I've even tried bioidentical hormone treatment). I totally agree that Candida (and Lyme) can cause depression/anxiety and hormonal problems, but I can't get rid of the candida because I have an intestine that is partly paralyzed and no matter what I try I cannot eliminate Candida because of it. Years ago when my colon worked a little better, I took a supplement for candida and started feeling so much better in many ways.. not sure if I have Lyme back then or not, but wouldn't be surprised.. have not felt well since childhood.

dejavoo, I actually went to the Hansa Center in 2010 for 2 weeks and do take the Neuro-Antitox 2 and it helps me with several symptoms, but unfortunately not the hormonal/chemical imbalance symptoms. Dr. Jernigan did get my intestine working within a few days while I was there and I was so excited because I could finally eliminate the Candida from the Yeast Ease I was taking. But when I got home, my intestine stopped working again. I just dont know what to do. I'd like to go back there but may have to stay awhile and it costs money I don't have... but Dr. J is amazing!!

Post Edited (onedaycloser7) : 9/15/2011 10:23:59 PM (GMT-6)

Posted 9/16/2011 1:07 AM (GMT 0)
I have been on abx for a year now and am very close to finishing my treatment. This is not my first time, however; I had a twenty year infection with a nine month new infection that took two years of various antibiotics to beat.

My doc uses a combination of herbs and antibiotics that is very effective.
Posted 9/16/2011 8:41 AM (GMT 0)
One day,

If you go to the International Lyme and Associated Diseases site, they have a Psychiatric Brochure that you might find interesting. ilads.org
Posted 9/16/2011 8:46 AM (GMT 0)
achievinggrace, Did you have much herxing when taking the antibiotics? I'm so glad you have improved so much. I wonder if your doctor has ever had a patient whose colon has paralysis like mine does and if so, what he used to treat the problem?
Posted 9/16/2011 12:21 PM (GMT 0)
Yes, One Day, I had plenty of herxing. Sometimes more than others -- a new antibiotic or herb or an increase of medication would usually spur one. I used to have some paralysis of the gut (not anything as extreme as you) before I was treated. It has finally resolved. It is so amazing to have everything work again. I can really feel how much better my body is working; getting rid of the toxins is so important to good health.

However, my doctor did not prescribe anything beyond the treatments for Lyme. He uses a combo of abx and herbs and believes in a "low and slow" approach. He has also made it very clear that he expects me to make a full recovery.

Whatever discomfort I have experienced has been completely worth going through to get back my clear mind and emotional balance -- and a healthy fully functioning body! If you are having trouble with depression it is so very difficult to look past where you are and what you are feeling to imagine a better life and a healthy mind, but it is there within reach. I hope you will go for it.

What you might want to do is to find a Lyme Literate Doctor who is also a naturopath. They would be able to design a treatment that works with your gut and Candida issues.
Posted 9/20/2011 12:38 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Lymester,

I was not talking about depression, I was talking about my history with panic disorder.   The tests were done about 25 years ago in a hospital in NJ and I don't remember the name of the hospital..  I do remember I laid on a table and was hooked up to different machines for about 8 hours (I was allowed to take at least one break)..  

And yes, those tests confirmed that my serotonin does leak out from one part of my brain..  Again, this has nothing to do with depression..   Please reread my post.

As far as depression, when I was sick I did get depressed from being sick!  Day after day it was so frustrating not to be well..  I was so happy and still am that I found a protocol that worked for me...  

Last but not least, having a positive attitude is half the battle.. I know, it's not easy but it's possible..  All we have to do is try and never lose hope...  You may want to try being a bit more positive instead of always looking at the dark side..  It does wonders for the soul...  If you or anyone else is having a hard time trying to be a bit positive there are great sayings to read:

Charles Swindoll:

"Attitude, to me, is more important than facts. It is more important than the past, than education, than money, than circumstances, than failures, than successes, than what other people think or say or do. It is more important than appearance, giftedness or skill. It will make or break a company... a church... a home.

The remarkable thing is we have a choice every day regarding the attitude we will embrace for that day. We cannot change our past... we cannot change the fact that people will act in a certain way. We cannot change the inevitable. The only thing we can do is play on the one string we have, and that is our attitude... I am convinced that life is 10% what happens to me and 90% how I react to it.

And so it is with you... we are in charge of our attitudes. "

Hang in there,

Denise

Posted 9/20/2011 12:45 PM (GMT 0)
Onedaycloser,

That's great what Dr. Jernigan did for you!  He has helped so many people that I know...  I never went to Hansa but I followed his "healing at home" protocol and that worked for me, yahoo!

Did you continue to detox daily after you left Hansa?  Are you detoxing now including dry skin brushing, detox baths, foot baths, sauna, etc. on a daily basis?  What is your diet like?   

Even though I am totally better I still continue with the detoxing simply because I believe we live in a toxic world, the air we breath, the foods we eat, etc.  It keeps my immune system strong and just makes me feel better..

Hang in there okay?

Denise

Posted 9/20/2011 8:24 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Onedaycloser,
My intestines have been my longest standing issue. They cramp, shut down, have spasms, and have pseudo-blockages or maybe they are spots that are 'paralyzed' for a bit. I have tried all kinds of pharmaceuticals to deal with these issues and have had very limited relief. I started seeing a Doctor of Acupuncture who is also a Doctor of both Traditional and Modern Chinese Medicine as well as a Master Western Herbalist. She has me on a mix of three herbs that have unlocked my intestines like magic - really! I was a skeptic at first since I had tried every thing else practically, but it still worked! It just a simple mixture of Licorice, Peppermint and White Peony of all things! It really has my intestines working better than they have ever worked!!

I have also been using a natural product for my anxiety that has made a major difference in my life! I was taking Xanax, and although it was working well for me, I wanted to get off of all pharmaceuticals, so I turned once again to my Acu doc. She had me try using Motherwort tincture that has been amazing for me. I also use Homeopathic remedies for my Thyroid and Adrenal issues and they have helped tremendously.

I have found for me, pharmaceuticals were not the way my body was going to heal. I guess I had too much damage from being infected and untreated for over 30 years took it's toll?? I don't know for sure of course, but I had a year of abx and got worse -a lot worse. Then I tried Chinese Medicine and Acupuncture and would recommend it to anyone who is willing to give it a try!

Just some things to think about. There are options.
Posted 9/21/2011 4:06 PM (GMT 0)
Lymester, you may be interested in a book I just finished called Anatomy of an Epidemic, by Robert Whitaker. I'm not even getting into the debate here about the theory of how SSRIs work, but it will give you lots on info about that debate, as well as the one that promoted antipsychotic meds for schizophrenia.
Posted 9/21/2011 4:31 PM (GMT 0)
I don't know when I got lyme, but have had severe depression since I was a teenager and panic attacks since I was 19. I am 32 now. about six months ago my panic was so bad I was ready to throw in the towel. However, now I am on a treatment that I think is actually working and my panic disorder is way under control. My depression is getting better too. I am on an antidepressant plus abilify which is a literal life saver for me. But, what meds will work for you depends on your body. Sadly, it took me 13 years to find ones that worked for me. Hopefully it won't take you so long!
Posted 9/25/2011 9:53 PM (GMT 0)
AchievingGrace,  could you please tell me where the psychiatric brochure is on ILADS?   You may remember that psychiatric problems were a huge problem for  me last year and the year before.  I never really got better, tho I felt like I'd gotten rid of most of my Lyme and Babs symptoms and got too loose w/ my meds.  They gradually returned in all their glory.

I am now back on all meds, but feeling very desperate.  I would like to read more about this as suicide has taken over my brain against my will.  I can still prevent it knowing how badly it would hurt my family and my dogs.  But deep down inside I feel like I know that one day this is how it will all end.

That's Lyme. One stinking, dirty tick.

 

Posted 9/25/2011 10:56 PM (GMT 0)
Hi +Lyme,

Gosh, I am so sorry your treatment didn't get completed. And even sorrier you have to go through all this again.

We are kind of in the same boat as I got bitten again last year. I was only off the antibiotics for about 12 weeks!!

It is so difficult to get the bad thoughts out of your head. You're on all your meds again, are you taking anything to improve your mood? I found SAM-e helped a lot.
Some people have good results from the antidepressants.

Try to remember that it is the disease, not you. And keep focusing on the things that bring you joy. My granddaughter and my dog -- oh, and my husband sure helped to keep me here.

Do e-mail if you want to chat more.

Here is that brochure:

www.ilads.org/lyme_disease/Psychiatric_Brochure_08_08.pdf
Posted 7/25/2016 1:18 PM (GMT 0)

CajunGrl said...


Hoping you could help me...same symptoms 're panic attacks. Did you get better? I am receiving treatment. 6 month Mark. Slightly better...but still bad and trying to cope. Don't know how much longer I can last...feeling overwhelmed. Any words of encouragement?

Thank you and God bless you
Greta

Your thread.........
When I was first diagnosed with Lyme Disease, I was having panic attacks and anxiety every day. Then, my symptoms slowly started getting worse and I had more and more symptoms as the months went by. Here is a short Lyme symptom list:




SYMPTOM CHECK LIST:

Unexplained fevers, sweats, chills, or flushing
Unexplained weight change--loss or gain
Fatigue, tiredness, poor stamina
Unexplained hair loss
Swollen glands
Sore throat
Testicular pain/pelvic pain
Unexplained menstrual irregularity
Unexplained milk production: breast pain
Irritable bladder or bladder dysfunction
Sexual dysfunction or loss of libido
Upset stomach
Change in bowel function-constipation, diarrhea
Chest pain or rib soreness
Shortness of breath, cough
Heart palpitations, pulse skips, heart block
Any history of a heart murmur or valve prolapse?
Joint pain or swelling
Stiffness of the joints, neck, or back
Muscle pain or cramps
Twitching of the face or other muscles
Headache
Neck creeks and cracks, neck stiffness, neck pain
Tingling, numbness, burning or stabbing sensations, shooting pains
Facial paralysis (Bell's Palsy)
Eyes/Vision: double, blurry, increased floaters, light sensitivity
Ears/Hearing: buzzing, ringing, ear pain, sound sensitivity
lncreased motion sickness, vertigo, poor balance
Lightheadedness, wooziness
Tremor
Confusion, difficulty in thinking
Difficulty with concentration, reading
Forgetfulness, poor short term memory
Disorientation: getting lost, going to wrong places
Difficulty with speech or writing
Mood swings, irritability, depression
Disturbed sleep-too much, too little, early awakening
Exaggerated symptoms or worse hangover from alcohol



If you go here https://www.healingwell.com/community/default.aspx?f=30&m=1606610, there is a longer list of symptoms.

Posted 7/25/2016 1:47 PM (GMT 0)
Greta, CajunGrl wrote that in 2011. I have not seen her back here on the forum in a year.

I think many of us have horrible days of depression and anxiety thrown in there. I know what I did was take one day at a time and even just one hour at a time on some days.

Migrating pains and feeling so horribly sick is so hard to handle. We are so used to getting well rather quickly.

I can just tell you that it does get better, so hang in there.
✚ New Topic ✚ Reply