feeling down

i don't know if my hormones are all in a whack, or what the heck is going on, but i feel so down lately.
i just can't shake this funk.
I'm usually a very optimistic person. And i know i have no right to feel bad.
I've had down times like everyone, and can usually snap out of it, but this has been going on for about 2 weeks now.
I don't want to have to take antideppresants, but i might have to.
I keep focusing on the sad things. I went to a pet store to check out the fish for my daughters 2nd birthday present, and all i could think about was how sad the puppies must be to not have a home. I'm crying even now thinking about it.
And i can't even bring myself to read my people magazine b/c i know it's going to have sad stories i can't handle right now.
i'm such a sap.
i gotta shake this.
it doesn't even really have to do with my ostomy, although that just adds to my down attitude.
i guess i'm going through a valley.......

just sharing.

Chassity-
I am so sorry you are going through this... I have a history of depression and have been on and off anti depressants for 20 yrs. After my first surgery ( colectomy and ileostomy) I was really depressed. I felt like I had lost something and I had no hope that I would ever feel well again.

The crying over the puppies and not being able to read People magazine surely sounds more than just the blues. After my second and third surgeries, I also felt sad and anxious. I think that suebear has hit on something- PTSD. This is definitely a traumatic and stressful- no joke.

After going through soooo much there is no doubt that PTSD affects many UC/Crohn's or anyone dealing with a long term chronic illness.

I would at the very least contact your family doctor and discuss this with him/her. In the time being, I would suggest keep as active as possible. Get out of the house and do things.

I hope you feel better soon.

Interesting as my primary and GI said that after the 14 surgeries I have had in the last 2 years and my charkot disease (bone crumbling of the feet and ankles) where I cannot walk - I have been having trouble keeping my emotions in check (crying at everything) - I feel like a vulcan from star trek who has lost his logical mind.  I also am having bad sleep disorder - like not sleeping for days at a time and then my body just passes out. - The doc said this is classic PTSD and not depression frfom the clinical sense.  He is going to send me to a shrink who specializes in PTSD.  I think we are on to something here.

love

bob

Chassity,
Thanks for sharing. I'm sorry you're feeling down. (((big hug))) You should make an appointment with your doctor to tell them what's going on. It might just be that your Vitamin B levels or thyroid are off. Are you premenstrual? I can feel emotionally out-of-whack for up to 2 weeks before my period. If it's none of the above, you could always try St. John's Wort, which is a natural herbal antidepressant that you can buy the store.

During this Thanksgiving week, try to take some time each day to focus on all of the wonderful people in your life who love you and all of the reasons you have to be thankful. That always brings a smile to my face and helps bring things back into perspective. Exercising or walking out in the fresh air helps, too.

I hope you and your doctor can figure out what's going on, so you can get back to your happy self soon!

Love ya,
Cecilia

Thanks for the support guys. It really does make me feel better. You're great. And you even made me laugh ;)

Honestly, i don't think this has much to do with my ostomy. I don't even think about it. and i don't feel sorry for myself.

I guess it could be PTSD. I'll have to look it up. Would it just spring up? I've been doing so well. Even now, when i think back, it doesn't get to me.....only if i really really concentrate on what was at risk (you know, my life, blah blah blah) does it hit.
*sigh*
I did think it could be low vit. B, so i gave myself a shot tonight and took a multivitamin. I shared with my husband about my feelings and had a good cry (i've been trying so hard to NOT cry)
If i can't suck it up after the Holiday, i'll go see the Dr.
You know how it is. I don't want to medication dependant like i was for so many years.

i told my husband i hope i'm pregnant :) but i don't think i am :(