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Diagnosed Depression and Crohn's

Mon, September 22, 2008 7:21 PM

My name is Paula and Im 29 years old from Barbados in the Caribbean. I recently have been diagnosed with severe depression, and it stems from the fact that Ive been flaring badly for the past few months.

I am very sick and very tired from dealing with this illness. Ive been trying to have a positive outlook since being diagnose with Crohns in 1998, but frankly Im tired. I tired of complications, medications, procedures and being embarassed.

Ive always being trying to over-compensate for not be 100% normal, in work and school and always my body betrays me.

I guess even though Ive been living (if you can call it that), with this illness for so long, I still havent learnt how to live life. Im so unhappy and thats not the person that I usually am, I need to find the old positive outlook and similing me. Is there anyone out there you can relate and give me advice?

Thanks

paulak
Joined Aug 26, 2008

Sat, September 27, 2008 12:00 AM

Reply posted for paulak.

I can certainly relate to you because i have had severe crohns for 11 years and for the last six years I have been diagnosed with severe depression. Neither illness is great. But you need to remain positive. i know it's hard. do you have a therapist and psychiatrist. meds can work for both of your illness. 1 of the things that helped me was meditation and thinking about a very peaceful place or time in your life. you'll get there. i have finally achieved remission after 2 surgerys and every crohns med. tysabri put me in remisson just like another drug will help you, try to focus on getting well and always remember there is hope for you. get well soon. mev ps. cymbalta is a antidepressant that finally got rid of my depression after 6 years.

mevscience
Joined Sep 27, 2008

Mon, September 22, 2008 12:00 AM

Reply posted for mokie.

I totally get how you are feeling. Sometimes it takes all my energy not to scream at family or friends with the 'pep talk' over and over; even though I know they have my best interest at heart.

It's wonderful having people out there knowing exactly what you are going through without having to try to explain in detail.

Hanging in there and taking one day at a time is what I'm doing, because I am going through a flare up too and there are some days that I am flat out exhausted, in pain, feeling very ugly from the bumps on my body and face, the bathroom trips, the bloating, and the list goes on and on. One day at a time; one day at a time is all I keep telling myself.

Paula.

paulak
Joined Aug 26, 2008

Mon, September 22, 2008 12:00 AM

Reply posted for pasmax.

Hi Patti,

Thanks so much for your advice, it's wonderful to know that I am not alone in this, the community does help. I am on medication and have a good physicologist that has been really helping me.

Thanks again.

Paula.

paulak
Joined Aug 26, 2008

Mon, September 22, 2008 12:00 AM

Reply posted for paulak.

I have taken anti depression meds for years. It helps. I am facing anothre flare up and I am getting very discouraged, but knowing I can come here and hearing that I am not crazy, helps. Friends, family they don't get it really. Some stay far away and others pep talk you to death. Neither works for me. My shrink told me, it's like taking a time out and you will just push through it. Not thinking about it is my first step. I would not be here if it were not for the meds she gives me.

mokie
Joined Apr 16, 2008

Mon, September 22, 2008 7:07 PM

Reply posted for paulak.

Hi Paula,

My name is Patti from Tennessee. I have been living with Crohns disease for 25 years as I was diagnosed at age 22. I was diagnosed while in nursing school, but was able to complete my studies. I really did not have the depression until my forties, but it HIT ME HARD! I wanted to kill myself because of dealing with Crohns all my life! Please get help. See a psychologist or psychiatrist if possible. You may even need to be on an antidepression medication (even if for a short time) until you feel more normal again. Just connecting with CCFA and realizing that I am not alone and wasnt crazy and that my feelings of suicide were normal for someone with a chronic disease helped. Many people out there just do not understand what we go through. Ive had problems with my sister, friends, and employers just not "getting it". Ive learned to acceopt the fact that they will never understand it, and go on with my life and taking care of myself the best I know how. I have managed to obtain my masters degree in anesthesia and now have a very good career although often demanding and very long hours of taking care of other people. I could not have accomplished this without the help of a psychiatrist to help me learn my limitations, and overcome my depression. I have days that all I can manage is to go to work, my energy is very low at times so I am unable to socialize as much as I would like to. You just have to learn to come to grips with this and it is part of living with a chronic disease, however, you need to try and balance your life so that you can enjoy it, but first you have got to talk to a professional to acheive this. I know when your weak with pain, and from constant diarrhea that life seems pretty bleak, but with treatment and learning to take care of your body it does get better!