Anxiety and depression when sick…

[Amos1993]

I am looking for author guidance from anyone who has gotten sick and then their anxiety and depression rear their ugly heads again. I am taking meds for my anxiety and depression and had been doing fine. Last Tuesday I started not feeling well then by the time I came home from work early I had the stomach flu. It lasted into the next day and I am recovered from that. My problem is that my anxiety and depression seem out of sorts now. I am trying to tell myself that it is because my body was fighting a sickness but I can’t shake it. But it has affected my wanting to leave house and my morning anxiety is bad again. It gets so tiring doing this. Has anyone else experienced this and have any words. I could sure use them. It helps to talk to people who get this. Thanks

[optimismrus]

Being sick has given me the same depression symptoms. I think that when we are weak and bummed and we can't do our normal routine, our feelings about being sick mimic anxiety and depression. Hopefully, the clouds will lift and you'll feel okay again soon. 🥰

[NYCmom2]

Yes! Leading up to being sick, while sick, before and during my period - all increase my anxiety+.

I chalk it up to my body trying to communicate with me. Also, when feeling ill I don’t always take good care of myself including basics like drinking water. I’m too hard on myself when I’m not productive and meeting my typical expectations. I have trouble asking for help.

It helps when I’m sick to set basic goals like drinking water, making a meal, basic care for my kids, bare minimum work. I have to remind myself now is not the time to criticize myself for not keeping up with the laundry etc. I ask my spouse to remind me this when I’m not feeling well. Delete anything on your calendar for the rest of the week that is extra and not necessary to allow time to recover and catch up.

This prevents the anxiety from spiking and self criticism dragging us down. Then get some Sun outside, call a friend that cheers you up and double down on the self care.

[upawall]

I had the flu and then double pneumonia. I was in the hospital for 10 days and it was awful. I have suffered from severe anxiety on and off since I was 10. I am now 72. I was doing ok when I got out of the hospital, but then I started having muscle twitches, myoclonic jerks, and shakiness. I’ve been on 200mg. Zoloft daily and Valium as needed but I usually don’t take it unless things get really bad. I see a psychiatrist whom I have seen over the past several years. He feels my increased anxiety was due to PTSD. Maybe it was. I’m still having a rough time. With the jerks and twitches I have convinced myself I have ALS. I’m terrified. I see a neurologist next month. I have had these before and have been fine, but I always think ‘well, you never know’. I am telling you these things to let you know other people deal with this. Not at all fun.