Depression?
Thu, July 28, 2011 10:28 AM
I have been suffering from the symptoms of Chron's for about 6 years, but was only recently diagnosed. I am facing the real possibility of being medically retired from my job just at the height of my success, my family doesn't seem to get it, I can't even think about telling my friends (it seems a little too personal to me) and I think I am beginning to loose my mind. I feel like crying all the time, I hide from social engagements (which is not like me at all!) and I have a hard time dragging my but out of bed every morning (heck why should I? I'm probably going to loose my job anyway!) My symptoms at this point are pretty mild and I spend most of my time in remission but the idea of all of this is really weighing on my mind and starting to affect my daily life.
Has anyone seen a counselor for depression? Are there meds we can take? Should I even be worried or is this a normal part of the grieving /acceptance process? I haven't asked my doctor because I don't want another check in the "reasons why we should get rid of this girl" box at work, and he's the guy with control over that.
Any thoughts? Thanks!
jdingy1000Joined Jul 5, 2011
Wed, August 10, 2011 1:59 PM
Reply posted for jdingy1000.
I think that you should definitely talk to someone if you have been feeling down. I am now diagnosed with generalized anxiety disorder which I started having around the same time I started getting really ill before I was diagnosed. I went to my doc who gave me Zoloft and just did that for about a year but ended up needing to talk to someone as well. So now I see a counselor who I think helps a great deal. Just know though that not ever counselor is a match so you may need to try more than one but I got lucky and liked my first one. I wish you the best and hope you start feeling better mentally, emotionally and physically!
Joined Aug 30, 2010
Sun, July 31, 2011 11:09 PM
Reply posted for jdingy1000.
If your symptoms are mild and you are in remission most of the time, be thankful for that. There are people who are suffering each day with things far worse than Crohns. A job does pay the bills however your life is not defined or should be measured on foolish things such as that.Have faith in GOD
Joined Jun 8, 2011
Fri, July 29, 2011 11:39 PM
Reply posted for jdingy1000.
Oh my goodness yes. Depression, anxiety, yeah, all of it, right here. I still have bouts every here and there with it. It usually goes hand in hand with just how bad the disease is going, too. Ya know, from what I can and can't do. Recently there have been a lot of sermons that have really helped my outlook with different things, but yeah, I've had it for 10 years. Took about 2 or 3 to actually diagnose me with it and they've gone through every treatment that my doctor thinks would work. I had to drop out of high school, couldn't/can't do college, and I'm not consistently healthy enough to actually have a job. Because of that I just have to hang out on SSI. My work becomes what I can do around the house.
As a guy, this just...oh...man...this tears me up. Not being able to provide or stand on my own two feet? Yeah. It's pretty lame. You're definitely not alone with this. I agree with what was said about checking out the counselors first. The majority of the non-Christian ones I went to were...well, crocks, honestly. They gave nothing by way of legitimate support and really only tried to force meds and blame my parents.
Joined Aug 24, 2009
Fri, July 29, 2011 11:39 AM
Reply posted for jdingy1000.
Yes, depression is part of managing a chronic illness, and to be expected when our bodies are attacking itself.
If you want to keep things from your GI, or are unconfortable discussing the emotional part of IBD... perhaps you should start a conversation with that statement. Or just clearly ask for their recommendation for a safe antidepressant. If you can't, or that doesn't work... time to consider shopping for a new GI.
Every person I know with IBD uses some form of medication/ counseling to help manage their life and emotional well-being. Most- both. make sure to interview potential counselors with questions about their experience working with chronic illness / chronic pain. It took me a few counselors to find a good fit. I also find reflexology and meditation to do wonders for my emotional wellbeing.
Best wishes.
Joined Sep 15, 2010
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