Moods

[kel80]

Does anyone suffer with mood swings in a major way ?? And depression ... Social problems?? Following vm??

[Mypain]

Oh yes. Unfortunately I think it is something we all deal with. I am six years in, and know they are slightly better, but I still have to watch myself.

[Jonad724]

I'm afraid they are potential after effects of VM. I was prone to depression anyway but it certainly was worse after the VM particularly mourning the life I used to lead against where I was left. I was also diagnosed with seasonal affective disorder which explained why I was always such a misery at Christmas (shortest day is around there) and was struggling to hold jobs down in the winter when I could do them standing on my head in the lighter months.

Depression does also lead to social problems as it is a potentially circular disease, you feel depressed so you don't go out or want to meet people but because you're not going out and meeting people you get more depressed.

I'm 10 1/2 years post near fatal VM and as MP says it eases but it might be worth trying a bright light (lumie and the like specifically for SAD) to see if that helps. I know Lumie used to do a trial scheme for theirs and although they are quite expensive they have changed my life in the winter.

Good luck!

[Canada3]

Yes, sadly Jonad is so right, I never suffered from depression before though I was always a bit "sad" in the winter months too. Now its much worse, I really need to get out every day however short it is, I crave daylight too, cannot work in a room without it and I am certainly far far happier in the spring and summer. It is a vicious circle about not wanting to mix and sometimes you have to almost "throw" yourself into being with other people as I think it does help in the long run, however much it seems impossible at the time. Your true friends do understand and I have spent time tearful with some friends at times. I do also find I am a bit more intolerant of people who are mean spirited or what I call "energy vampires" I am sure you will relate to this! The most important point I think is I see it as a form of greiving for what was my previous light hearted life that is no longer. Acceptance then becomes my operative word and yes I think it does get better, I am hoping so anyway. We are all here, knowing exactly what its like, so hang on in there.kel80.

[rowenafly in reply to Canada3]

Hi ya Canada, yep I have reactive depression to viral meningitis from 9 months ago and I get really upset around mean people. I have to work on my moods with meditation and relaxation to be calm and ok with it. My father is particulary insensitive and it can wind me up for days. I have lots of strategies I employ for energy vampires and they dont always work. Sometimes I have a few glasses of wine with my husband to destress knowing fully well I will be sick next day. But as I said, I have lots of strategies and the alcohol occasionally is one of them. Prob not the best one hey. But overall I am getting better but its not a linear process. Its very complicated. So yeah, the depression is such a typical part of your life changing so much but I have faith it will improve.

[tjandaksmama]

Canada, I totally agree....energy vampires lol. I had vm in July of this year and I can totally relate to everything you all are saying. I have lost a few friends because I just can't be around the drama. I am on a medicine that has helped with the depression, its called pristiq, I believe that is the spelling. I really had trouble leaving the house before i was on that. I have 2 kids so that just isn't acceptable! I'm still very tired and somewhat moody but things are better. My Dr. tells me that I just need to give it time, that's really hard. Good luck to you all!

[Tiga]

BIG TIME, though i was going nuts, now i try think b 4 i open my mouth, i also use villain body spray as that seems to help relax me, for the 1st 3 months, i could have screamed at everyone, but i think that was tagged to me, as in the hospital no one seemed to be helping me, in so much pain, and vomit bowls around my bed everyday, made me feel i was no one, nothing and i think this followed me when i came out, but now i wil not allow VM to rule me if i am moody i just say well either you are PMT, or just lost the will to live (in a funny way) and check myself, to control it, oh yes the odd bar of choc helps