Anxiety and deep depression

[Ferretdancer]

Does anybody else suffer from deep anxiety and depression?

[Ali_B62]

Yes, I do. I don't know if it's MS related but I have suffered from it ever since childhood. I am hoping to get some help today as it happens. My GP won't refer me back to my neurologist until we have worked on this. I will keep you posted and hopefully have some progress to report.

[jimeka in reply to Ali_B62]

I hope that you get the help you need, let us know how you get on, Blessings Jimeka 🦋

[greaterexp in reply to Ali_B62]

Hurrah for you for getting some assistance in dealing with this. You're in my thoughts and prayers.

[greaterexp]

Whether it's directly related to MS (which it can be) or not, there are so many here who deal with this. You're in great company. I've only felt anxiety a few times, but even that gave me a new appreciation for what you must be going through. I hope you are talking with your doctors about treatment.

[Beckylp54 in reply to greaterexp]

You are right greaterexp. I too deal with anxiety and depression enough from MS and medication. They are really a big deal and a way of life now for ME. Ugh

But I could be worse I've BEEN worse in other ways. I'm praying for all of us with our struggles. There is so much pain we are dealing with in our lives physical mental emotional.

My Lord dose help me and he is by my side. Blessings ❤becky

[greaterexp in reply to Beckylp54]

I'm so glad you know that God is with you. It makes all the difference.

[Kenu]

I have had depression ever since I was diagnosed with MS over twenty four years ago. I have been on Cymbalta and has kept it under control. Yes, I have had anxiety a few times and it is scary. Hope that you are able to get help with this soon 👍🙏😉 Ken 🐾🐾

[Beckylp54 in reply to Kenu]

Kenu

I am praying for YOU.❤becky

[bethie2739]

I have just started having depression, comes and goes, I guess. I am recently diagnosed, 8 months ago. This past weekend the depression was horrible. I just did good to get through each day. I had to force myself to get moving around the house, going outside, etc. Cried alot, not even sure why. Today, I am working, morning was still a little rough but I am better this afternoon.

[Beckylp54 in reply to bethie2739]

Hi bethie2739

I was like this in the beginning og my MS. It is awful. Hang in there. You are LOVED and needed. Try to get some help. There is enough therapies of different kinds to help you. Please talk to your doctors.

You are in my prayers❤becky

[IFwczs]

I was very depressed a couple of years ago, cried all the time for no reason and was actually suicidal. Of course, it was caused by MS. As soon as I got rid of my mercury poisoning (depression is one of it's symptoms) and changed my diet, it went away. Make sure your GP tests you for everything under the sun.

[Frances_B]

Anxiety and depression can be MS related, but are not necessarily so, especially if you have suffered from them before you had MS. One thing that many people are not aware of is that they can be a side effect of the interferon drugs such as Rebif, Avonex etc. I had really bad depression during the last few months I was on Rebif (was only on it for about 10 months), which completely lifted within two weeks of stopping that drug. It was bad enough that I now realise that if I had kept taking Rebif I wouldn't be here now - I would have gone down that slippery slope that leads to self destruction. The fact that it lifted in such an incredibly short time with no treatment or other factors involved made it very clear that it was a drug side effect. While it is documented as a side effect the number of people who suffer it as a side effect is not exactly broadcast widely, and I can't help but wonder how many people have anxiety/depression which is attributed to their MS or other things and not on an interferon drug. The following extract is from one of the more obscure manufacturer's leaflets on Rebif.

Depression and Suicide

Rebif® (interferon beta-1a) should be used with caution in patients with depression, a condition that is common in people with multiple sclerosis. Depression, suicidal ideation, and suicide attempts have been reported to occur with increased frequency in patients receiving interferon compounds, including Rebif®. In addition, there have been postmarketing reports of suicide in patients treated with Rebif®. Patients should be advised to report immediately any symptoms of depression and/ or suicidal ideation to the prescribing physician. If a patient develops depression, cessation of treatment with Rebif® should be considered.

[Bodega1939 in reply to Frances_B]

Thank you. I just went through a horrible depression. Mine sounded so much like everyone elses. I just didn't know any one of us had depression. Should have known better considering what we have on a daily basis. I will inform my physician...but that is a bad thing to do in the VA. Then all kinds of other stuff happens as the organization gears up to "cure" you. Being a Buddhist I have other ways to handle such besides medicine. It just takes me longer to get better. I might not be a very excellent Buddhist is the problem, I think. Sigh.

[Beckylp54 in reply to Bodega1939]

Bodega1939

You are in my prayers. Stay strong in your beliefs. We ALL matter.

Blessings to YOU❤becky

[mrsmike9 in reply to Bodega1939]

Sometimes stressful things can actually change your brain chemistry so you can't work your way out of it and may need a med to keep you going. Please keep your mind open!

[leking1]

Oh yes, but Effexxor XR keeps me on a somewhat even keel. The trade-off is that I don't feel much at all, sometimes. Still, it is better than feeling despondent, sad, angry, useless, etc. Please talk with your doctors about this, and blessings and good wishes!

[Beckylp54 in reply to leking1]

Hi leking1

Angry was my biggest clue that I was dealing with deep depression. I knew I wasn't right but I didn't realize or understand that my angry was depression. What a wake-up call. Understanding my emotions helped me to deal with my depression.

Hope this helps someone

Blessings❤becky

[pamgarner]

oh yes, anxiety and depression,I am on anti depressants and I still get very sad at times,but my dr.doesn't want to up my dose,so he suggested talk therapy,he said we could all use talk therapy including himself!I haven't been yet but I have good and bad days,and thank goodness everyday is different.Anxiety stopped when I left work, interesting huh?

[Beckylp54 in reply to pamgarner]

Hi pamgarner

Talk therapy really worked for me! I would recommend giving it a try. But you have to keep doing it.

God's blessings ❤becky

[pamgarner in reply to Beckylp54]

thank you

[Beckylp54]

Ferretdancer

You are in my prayers. Deep anexity and depression are not easy to deal with in life. I have thought I'm never going to feel better again. Ups and downs can be very hard. You don't realize how bad it is until you come out of it. Especially when you're really down and you can't see the light.

Please take care of YOURSELF. You are needed and are very important in this world. Blessings ❤becky

[Mjcarbo]

I feel for you. Have been battling depression for a long time (I was diagnosed 45 years ago), but it’s been worse since my MS took a turn for the worse. However, anxiety, especially while driving is really becoming a big problem. I agree that talk therapy might help. Good luck to you!

[mrsmike9]

Depression - heck, yeah. So much so that my GP gave me an additional med to my list.

[dailygrump40 in reply to mrsmike9]

I'm on Remeron and Wellbutrin. You?

[mrsmike9 in reply to dailygrump40]

Trazodone, Cymbalta and now, ... I can't remember. It starts with a "B". I take all three.

[anaishunter]

Joining the team... i have been treated for depression and anxiety with Effexor at least 10 years before being diagnosed with MS in 2018; and I'm glad I was under treatment when the diagnosis was made. Somehow I feel it's all related: anxiety --> stress and stess --> ms

I find that diet has changed me a lot. Especially the no sugar part. I'm less subject to sudden anxiety. I've also added yoga as another tool. I'm glad to report that sometimes yoga breathing kills the anxiety and some MS symptoms.

[Hidden]

I have suffered with depression since adolescence. Once MS came into the picture frame, that depression increased and along came anxiety and panic attacks. ( I have been on MANY antidepressants over the years without success) After MS diagnosis, the doc put me on Klonipin for the anxiety, which helps. However, over the course of the last year, I began experiencing increasing anxiety, physical pain, and suicidal ideation on a daily basis(marked with increased lesions and MS progression). Currently I am taking prescribed Ketamine both Slow release and Instant release. It has literally saved my life. It keeps the anxiety mostly at bay, more importantly has improved the depression without taking away my ability to experience emotions and leaving me feeling like a zombie.

So, please know you are not alone. Keep the dialogue open and honest with your medical team (village😂), and I wish you the best in finding what works for you.😊