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Depression and Chronic Illness


12 years ago 0 4027 logo logo logo logo logo logo logo logo logo logo 0
Gosh, I think I had one today
12 years ago 0 6252 logo logo logo logo logo logo logo logo logo logo 0
The one thing we all have in common is that we are still alive (even with our problems), being alive seems like a silly reason to be depressed but it happens. (it does really)

How about a no depression day once a week when we can feel really alive. Because we are. 
How about tomorrow. Tomorrow I am going to concentrate on feeling really alive. Who knows, maybe I can carry it a couple of days.

Davit.
12 years ago 0 619 logo logo logo logo logo logo logo logo logo logo 0

I have skin problems (inherited from my father) and high myopia (inherited from my mother) which are chronic illnesses. The problem with these illnesses is that they can't be cured, only managed which sometimes are very frustrating. I do not know if my depression is a consequence of these illnesses but they should help to aggravate my symptoms.

12 years ago 0 6252 logo logo logo logo logo logo logo logo logo logo 0
I have trouble with this one.

I have been tested numerous times and have spent three weeks in the psych ward. I have had periods of sadness and been suicidal during periods of extreme pain. (staph in my spine) 
I have never been diagnosed with clinical depression. Anxiety and panic yes but not depression. I've been evaluated for every true mental disease too and thankfully I have none. Even evaluated for Alzeimers. Nada.
I have Rheumatoid Arthritis. And it and clinical depression do go together but it is not carved in stone. Only an evaluation can tell you for sure. No second guessing. Just because you are supposed to have something doesn't mean you do. Don't add to your load by presuming.

Again this is just me, I could be the exception in which case what works for me is not relevant.

Davit
12 years ago 0 4027 logo logo logo logo logo logo logo logo logo logo 0
Ashley,
I've really suffered with my physical ailments, since I don't have the "emotional intelligence" to navigate the healthcare system.  The result is I'm not living the life I'd like to live, since "I'm sick and tired" of being sick and tired, and can't get what I need.  I guess when I was younger, I had a parent to advocate for me. 
 
I hope this isn't off the topic, but how do healthcare practicioners connect psychological illnesses to physical ones?  In my case, if extensive testing doesn't show an underlying cause, do they assume it's "all in your head"?
 
I think I end up in the panic cycle, and can't get out(like the Elvis song "...caught in a trap, I can't get out,...".
12 years ago 0 11210 logo logo logo logo logo logo logo logo logo logo 0
Members,

It's fairly common that people with a chronic illness also have clinical depression. That's because a chronic illness does more than affect a person's physical well-being. A chronic illness, such as diabetes or heart disease, has a major impact on a person's lifestyle and even on a person's sense of self.

Examples of chronic illnesses include type 1 or type 2 diabetes, heart disease, arthritis, kidney disease, HIV/AIDS, lupus, multiple sclerosis (MS), Parkinson's disease, and cancer.

Are you currently living with a chronic illness? How do you think your health status plays into your depression?
 
Ashley, Health Educator


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