Depression.

[Alupie]

I'm suffering from bad depression currently, probably the worst I've had in the 20 years I've suffered from it. I thought depression was another symptom of lupus (which coincidentally the rheumys think I've had for the same amount of time, just undiagnosed). However my GP now says that my depression isn't a symptom of lupus just my being "fed up" with having lupus. I'm totally confused now and worrying about why I'm depressed. Yes having lupus does make me feel down in the dumps but my depression is at an all time high. Does this ring any bells with anyone else?

[Clairebear]

Alupie you are not alone. I've just recently being put back on citalapram for suffering really bad panic attacks and depression. A few week ago I found it really hard just to leave the house. Depression can be a mixture of a lot of things. The things that have got to me is my mother in law struggling and now slowly losing her battle with cancer, then me collapsing for no reason, my dad being taken in to hospital with heart problems and the fact that I have to live and cope with lupus. It all just came at once, they say it comes in threes. Yes depression is a symptom of lupus and I'd disagree with anyone who says it isn't. See them trying to cope with it. Don't give up. There are lots of people out there who can help. What's helped me is some good advice of a friend who suggested light exercise like going for a walk. Also don't hide form it. Talk to friends and family about how you feel you maybe surprised how much they can help. Take care xx

[Jaxqueline]

Agh!! This is so frustrating. In my opinion depression is both a symptom and result of Lupus. I have just undertaken CBT for depression and am on Fluoxitine and the mixture of both seem to have helped a lot. However, the some of the best advice I had was not to isolate yourself from people and avoid situations. I did this and it made things much worse. Can you swap to a more sympathetic GP? Good luck

[LynnHall]

You can be "depressed" without actually suffering from depression and I wonder if this is what your GP meant, but didn't explain to you?

The difference is this: clinical depression is caused by the body not producing enough chemicals, which the GP will investigate with blood tests and prescribe medication accordingly.

The second is environmental. No amount of medication will correct this, even though it is frequently treated with meds; but it is like sweeping the problem under the carpet. You are given a temporary boost, but you need to do your own investigating to get to the root cause.

I'd suggest, if I may, that you try to keep a diary and write down every day how you are feeling. It need not be more than a few simple words. Or, you could create a chart with the days of the week across the top and numbers 1 - 10 down the side. Then every day you simply mark on the chart how you are feeling, with 1 being suicidal, for example and 10 being euphoric. A normal day would be anything between 5 -7. Then each day you join the dots.This way you can actually see how your mood changes from one day to the next.

The other thing that you can do is treat yourself with Bach Flower Remedies, if you are open to the idea of homeopathy. Recently, I've been suffering from depression, which I haven't suffered from for 25yrs. Previously, it was environmental and this sorted itself out once I'd got myself out of an abusive relationship. But recently, I recognised that it wasn't environmental and this worried me. I attend counselling, which I'd highly recommend, and realised that I was simply fed up with not being able to do the things I was once able to do. I use Bach Flower Remedies myself and these have helped me. If you like, you could purchase a small book that explains how the remedies work; I'd recommend The Bach Flower Remedies Step By Step by Judy Howard, which is a small, slim edition and easily fits into a handbag, but there are many very good books which explain how to use them.

Once you recognise what is causing your depression, you can manage it yourself and this will empower you and give you a sense of accomplishment. Take walks if you are able to (I'm no longer able to) but if you cannot, simply go somewhere that is green and sit and enjoy it. Don't shut your friends or family out; go to live theatre and watch good comedy, or simply play uplifting music; I find that the songs of John Denver really lift me up.

I really hope that you start to feel uplifted sooner than later, but take heart; you are certainly not alone; we're all lupines howling at the moon!

[lauraa11en]

I suffer from depression and am under psychiatry at my local hospital. I used to feel embarrassed and ashamed. However, for reason unknown, one day I talked about it and admitted it to myself, and I feel so much better for talking about it to people. I no longer feel embarrassed because I accept it is just another thing that lupus throughs at us. I'm not going to tell you to be strong or to think positive, and don't think about the reasons why, just accept it is another thing and do whatever you feel makes you comfortable!

[ellie53]

alupie i agree with some comments from above . Personally i have to keep out of the house be among people, somewhere you might hear people laugh - great medicine laughter

with me what frustrates me the most - my chemist wont let me go on alternative drugs as they interfere with the meds im on - so even a bottle of iron has to be checked out -so it doesnt interfere withe immune system - mine is suppressed all the time

i dont know if any of this makes sense but i do go to a community centre 4days a week just to be among people ,hear them laugh and talk

so i do hope you get out a bit even if you go window shopping - it stops me from thinking and gives you a break

if you are down remember theres only one way to go ---AND THATS UP

BYE FOR NOW