Hi. I wonder if someone here has the same feeling from time to time. Some days I wake up and feel like I don’t want to be here anymore. No reason for depression. I have asymptomatic AF and can’t say that I feel unwell. Loss of Energie some days more than others but I will be 70 next week so could be age related I fight this negative feeling and dread knowing it will happen again. I am a very positive person. My glass is always half full and always see a positive In everything.
This has only started after a stroke 4 years ago and being diagnosed with AF.
Could this be a side effect from apixaban but can’t find anything about it. I hope this isn’t the start of depression.
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emsling
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I received this email from Dr Mark Hyman this week and thought it had a lot of interesting points, relating to feeling right/well, which we don't normally consider:
Wellness is more than just eating right and exercising; it’s also much more than just feeling “okay.”
Feeling well means feeling whole, balanced, vibrant, and alive. And there are many moving pieces that we can tap into to feel empowered in our own wellness journey.
The key focus areas that I always recommend my patients pay attention to are community, spirit, emotional health, relationships, nutrition, movement, purpose, and mindset. Within these areas, we can have a dramatic influence on our immediate and future health.
There is so much you can do to help yourself to prevent, treat, and heal dis-ease no matter what situation you’re in. You have the power to change your health and these areas are where it all begins.
Community
I often see patients who feel they are doing everything right. They are eating nutrient-dense foods, getting adequate sleep, going to the gym…but they just don’t feel good. When I ask about their community and social connections they’re often surprised. But when we dig in and get to the real truth—loneliness, social isolation, and a lack of feeling that they belong—it becomes painfully clear that this is the missing link. And science shows us that a sense of community is correlated to longer, healthier, and happier lives. Volunteering, joining a class, and prioritising time with loved ones are all ways to strengthen your social bonds and support your health in the process. Get involved in things you care about and your community connections will naturally fall into place.
Spirit
A sense of spirit is like a very strong self-awareness, encompassing our inner passions, values, and beliefs; everything that makes us, us. And when we are tuned in to it we are better able to navigate the ups and downs of life. Our values and personal truths keep us grounded in integrity and deepening this connection to ourselves gives us strength and resilience. No matter what your religious or spiritual practices, you can tap into your individual sense of spirit by doing daily “gut-checks” to listen to your intuition and taking quiet downtime to reflect, journal, meditate or pray—whatever helps you feel more connected to yourself.
Emotional Health
Our emotional health impacts our physical health, there is no way around it. I’ve overcome some of my own emotional barriers in the past; traumas and toxic beliefs are scary to unpack but when you do you give yourself freedom and the opportunity for dynamic growth. Work with a coach, speak up for yourself, let your feelings out. Deciding to focus on your emotional health as much as your physical health will have big payoffs for your wellness and happiness throughout life.
Relationships
Just as community is essential to our wellbeing, so are our individual relationships. Do the people in your life lift you up, inspire you, give you joy? Or do they pull you down, cause stress, and create conflict? The relationships we experience have a cumulative effect, impacting both short- and long-term health. Recognizing and releasing a toxic relationship can be as powerful for our health as eliminating an environmental toxin. Spend time and energy supporting the relationships you do have and don’t be afraid to cultivate a new friendship with someone you’re interested in getting to know better, chances are they could use a new friend too.
Nutrition
I’m always talking about the power of food, and for good reason! What we fuel our body with affects everything—energy levels, weight, immune system, hormones, all of it. And though the nutritional landscape can get confusing with all of the diet wars (Vegan? Keto? Low-carb?) there is one major thing that all experts agree on: eat plenty of colourful vegetables. Think about eating the rainbow each and every day and you’ll be on the right path. Then, incorporate clean high-quality protein sources that suit your morals, like grass-fed beef or organic gluten-free tempeh, along with plenty of healthy fats like avocados, walnuts, olive oil, and coconut. A few simple dietary tweaks can make a world of difference in how you feel.
Movement
Exercise is called a polypill because it does so much to benefit the entire body. Cardiovascular health, mood, metabolism, bone strength, the list goes on and on. But you don’t have to go to the gym to move your body. Find an activity you like, something that is fun, and make it part of your wellness routine. Even a walk outside can work wonders. I love to get together with a friend and play tennis or go to a yoga class; not only do we both feel good getting the physical activity we also support and encourage each other to make it a regular habit.
Purpose
Research shows having a sense of purpose actually relates to living a longer, happier life. When we feel we are sharing our unique gifts with others we feel useful, appreciated, validated, and meaningful. Think about what you feel you are best at, what you enjoy the most, and how you can put those things together to participate in a cause that matters to you.
Mindset
Our mindset is what brings it all together. We have to get in the right headspace to help ourselves stay healthy and reach our goals. Your mindset is your collection of attitudes—how you respond to challenges, express gratitude, manage your time, and take care of yourself are just some of the parts of your life that you can assess to get a better understanding of your mindset. One study found that those with a “stress-is-enhancing” mindset, as opposed to a “stress-is-debilitating” mindset, had fewer psychological stress responses like anxiety, depression, and anger. So take some time to shift your perspective into a more positive light and your entire body will reap the benefits.
You can nourish yourself and cultivate lasting wellness using these key principles. I’ve personally experienced the powerful shifts that are possible using a holistic, functional approach that supports the body, mind, and spirit; take your first step today.
Thank you for posting this. It is amazingly helpful and I will refer to it regularly. Everyone should have this as a goal and a crutch to get us through life’s idiosyncrasies.
I have a friend whose partner went to the doctor recently, complaining of having no motivation to do things, eating poorly and generally not looking after himself. His doctor diagnosed depression and he was very annoyed because he felt an undiagnosed physical illness was the cause of his apathy. My diagnosis (no qualies except long life) was lack of purpose. Without 'something to get up for' none of the other excellent advice in the article can be taken. But someone who is truly depressed can't even contemplate following any of that advice 😩 So I think it is great for someone looking to improve their quality of life but not helpful for someone with depression.
Apixaban isn't linked with depression- there are recent developments in the NHS where you can access free 'talking therapies' and can do this by phone if it suits you better, It may well help to talk things through with a trained person- I can quite relate to what you are saying and think jeannie's post is most useful
I have permanent AF and I sometimes get the same feeling (not quite feeling that I do not want to be here) I am 72 and have had AF for 5 years. Also sometimes get that feeling of doom and gloom ( as if something awful is about to happen). I have HF as well and my HF nurse says that it is a not an uncommon feeling to have with HF or AF. I find it is more likely to occur if I have really been overdoing things and get overtired and run down. Because I believe that it is to do with AF/HF I accept it and just get on with life, the feelings do not tend to last for long with me. I am on Nebivolol, Diltiazem, Ramipril and Rivaroxaban (plus a few others for other problems) but I do not think it is the drugs that cause it.
From what I know of depression it does sound like it but if you have been a positive person up until recently then it could be a physical problem and I think you should talk to your doctor about it so that you can find out which it is.
I have sudden and fleeting feelings of intense anxiety and depression but I know it has a physical cause. I still dread the feeling though so I can really sympathise with you, I would find it too hard to bear if it went on longer. I hope you find some help X
Good morning emsling, I’m sorry you have these feelings they are awful. I have had Af on and off seems like forever. I have woken this morning, have lots to do got my dogs they need there walk. Going to daughters end of March, love my garden, but and there is a but I lost my husband three years ago now and I miss him so much, I have woken this morning and I have this awful feeling, just yuk, I have no family close by. My daughter is amazing but she is two hours away. My son bless him has his own world. But this feeling is horrible. I will,shake it off. So I know how you feel, I am 69 in May. Try and have a good day. Xx
Hi . I do understand how you feel and I think not having family living near by is very hard. Both of my son's don't live local and I don't have any close family any more. Yes I think that might be the basis of me feeling like that from time to time. Like you I try to keep busy and try to look forward to visiting friends an visits from my son's? Take care.
This is me too since AF came into my life and I really struggle with sleep and the anxiety of living with it. I know we have to get on with life but sometimes it becomes very hard especially when first wakening up .
I'm really sorry that you are feeling the way you are. There are definitely links with some strokes and feeling depressed and lacking in self worth and I think the psychological effects of a diagnosis of PAF can be devastating even if it is well controlled. If you are under a cardiologist it may be wise to see one of the specialist nurses who will have experience with the feelings you are having. I do think you are approaching the point where you need professional help and support
I think it is very unlikely to be the Apixaban. You sound like a very strong lady and you will get through this
Kindest regards
David
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When I was first put on Bisoprolol I noticed an immediate impact on my general outlook going from being a very positive person to feeling very down and depressed. I reduced the dosage and am ok now but when I read your post it struck a chord with me.
Hi I have paf since sept2018 and I felt rubbish no life in me now 6months on starting to feel much better u just thank for every day I am here now and I am going to be here for a long time it not going to get to me I am incontrol
I do sympathize. It is a horrible feeling. Have you checked if you are low in Vitamin D? I became depressed last year and at one stage couldn't remember when I last had that feeling of well being. I also had fatigue and muscle weakness. Then I was advised on the Thyroid page to check my vitamin levels. I discovered I was deficient in Vitamin D and B12 and folate levels were low. I sorted that out and that feeling of well being returned.
It maybe something quite simple. I also find a daily short walk lifts my spirits although I often have to force myself to do it. I hope you manage to get back to feeling good.
Did you have to have blood tests to discover your deficiencies? I have been losing my hair and I asked my gp if I was lacking in zinc as I read somewhere this could be an answer. He was reluctant but did do a test and I was zinc deficient. He gave me a course and it started to get better, but finished that now and started to thin again.
I too wake up sometimes and think it’s such an effort with these constant acrobats going on in my chest and is it all worth it, but I feel to go to the gp again he will think I’m a hypochondriac! I also agree with jeanjeanies post if we have something to look forward to and keep busy probably less depression. I so understand how emsling feels. Best wishes everyone.
Yes I had blood tests for D, B12, folate and ferratin. I fortunately got to see the excellent locum that day and he didn't blink at ordering the tests. My usual GP is not so keen. The NICE guidelines say that everyone over 65 should be taking 800 IU daily of Vitamin D. I take 1000 IU. If you are deficient you should be given a loaded dose for a few weeks before going onto maintenance. I had to ask for the loaded dose as a maintenance dose was prescribed originally. If you are not taking vit D and don't go in the sun every day you are likely to be deficient. Apparently a huge proportion of the population in the UK is deficient in Vitamin D. I am surprised that the GPs don't make a point of advising all their older patients to supplement Vit D. The Thyroid Association (also on health unlocked) gives valuable advice on thyroid health which affects your overall health. I recommend you look up posts on Vit D there and get your self armed with knowledge. I actually had the relevant pages from the NICE guidelines printed but fortunately didn't have to bring them out. I don't like having to argue with my GP but sometimes you have to be insistent.
Thank you. I will pluck up the courage. It’s just that I had brain tumour surgery 2 years ago, then the heart stuff started together with side effects from medications, then cardioversion, then ablation (which I don’t think has worked so need another monitor etc etc). I feel I’ve been back and forth to GP and a bit embarrassed keep going although I honestly don’t feel I’m going unnecessarily. Best wishes and again thank you.
Tell me about it emsling. Feelings of doom and gloom are very common with AF. My glass is always half full but is starting to turn the other way. As a very positive thinker this is hard to cope with. My financial advisor asked me what my goals were the other day. She was shocked at my response "a one way air ticket to Switzerland".
We've all been there. It's been one of those weeks for me this week, depsite 5 weeks post ablation, no symptoms, still on all the meds, but OH ahs had a bad cold/flu again and not had any energy to do anything so I've been doing it all and felt a bit trapped the the last 9 days without a break from the kids or anything.
Thank you all so very much for your replies. It is reassuring to know I am not the only one feeling so down at times. Today is a good day. No feeling of doom and gloom and I am very grateful for it. Wishing you all well.
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