Depression deep dark depression, I can't tell the difference between the pain and depression can anyone help?

[Weij]

[Hidden]

Hi there, depression is also an illness but is also very much associated with RA, I'm sorry your suffering it certainly can be a dark place.

Most people on either have experienced depression myself included, you must talk to someone about the way you feel, it will help and you may be given medication to help you. I understand how you feel about the pain and depression together as the pain gets overwhelming and you don't now where to turn you then begin to go on a downward spiral which, if you don't seek help with both your pain and depression things will only get worse.

You not only need help in treating your depression you also need to get your pain levels sorted, once you can at least get on top of the pain it will help you feel better.

Please make a call to your GP or even you rheumy nurse asap probably your GP as they will prescribe antidepressants if you need them and help you get control of the pain.

Good luck, please let us now how you get on.

mand xx

[Gina_K]

Hi There, I agree with all that Mand has said. Most people with RA have experienced depression. I think the more low you feel, the worse the pain. Anti deps really helped me in fact still are and they help with pain. Take a couple of weeks to work, but worth the wait. Don't struggle on, talk to your doctor asap. Also try to plan to do one small thing a day. I found even a walk really helps or a hobble! Take Care, and let us know what doc says.

Hugs, Gina.

[Hidden]

as above.. had a blub at meeting with boss.. had trouble climbing into my bath for shower.. seeing occ therapy agian next week deteroiating fast. hence feeling depressed.. plus the thorny issue of work im only well enough for mornings ,fatigue, hand and other joint pain and concentration!!., have a meeting with personnel next week get the feeling i might get put out to grass? or asked for job change?? xx

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please discuss some anti depressants. counselling witg gp. or rheumatology dept.. talk to us all any time.. I confessed all above, to show you are not alone in how you feel

take care alison xx

[Hidden]

I must be the oddity that doesn't do depression! Way too much positivity that's my problem But, something can be done about the RA and the pain, it can be well controlled.

Do seek advice, even having someone to talk things through with will help. Don't put off 'til next week what you can do tomorrow ... so ring your GP and first off get the pain meds sorted. Always treat the pain with appropriate drugs and keep it well topped up. Living with continual pain is a downer and will not help your physical or emotional wellbeing. Once that's sorted contact rheumatology and see if you can get advice about the ongoing RA problems, perhaps increased meds or a change to meds. It sounds as though you may need a re-assessment and perhaps a steroid jab to give you some release in the interim.

Hope you feel better soon,

Lyn x

[Hidden in reply to Hidden]

lyn- why dont you do a blogg on positivity and the relationship ( in your view and experience) this has had on your journey with RA? I for one would be very interested.

Also please can you bottle some and consider marketting it!!!

Fi

x

[Hidden]

think at least 70% of ra suffers will experince depression.. 1 in 4 people without ra will experince some form of "mental illness" the most common of which are stress or depression.. the new cognitive therapy thing is quite popular as is counselling and pain managment.. have not yet??!! been able to access these via the rhem dept of my own hospital... there are a wide range of ant depressants some of the older ones can double up as break through pain./ nerve pain use.. this an unlicensed use but it does help xx

[Hidden]

With my professional hat on (psychotherapist & counsellor) go and see your gp - there is no need for you to suffer like this. You need three things - anti-depressants (do tell your gp how it really is!), a referral to a counsellor for support and a referral either back to rheumy or to a specialist Pain Clinic. Some 80% of people with any type of arthritis experience at least one episode of depression needing medical attention - it's not 'weakness' or 'not coping' it's a dual response - chemical imbalance in the brain and a grief and loss process from the reality of losing your life as you know it. I know that it's difficult to reach out and engage with others when you're feeling really Sh***y, but do come on here and share how you're feeling, there's lots of support on here and you're not alone.

Now pick up the phone and make that gp appt

Hugs,

Cece x

[Hidden]

good to have the mind expert on this site , great to have helpful advice and comments.. do as cec says see gp or some one and explore the option best to help yoursef alison x

[AMDP]

Hi there, yes I can totally sympathise I’ve not managed to get up today- I’m still in my pjs and cannot decide if I’m poorly, lazy, or depressed or all three. It is so difficult keeping a brave face on things day after day when living in constant pain- who wouldn’t be depressed going through what we have to go through.

Chins up old thing and yes like everyone else my advice would be to see your GP. My GP put me in touch with a councillor who is helping me to understand it isn’t all my fault.

Ax

[cathie]

OH DEAR. I've been there. From being able to go on mountain walks with my partner, to hardly able to walk up the road to the post. Even suicidal thoughts. But there is every chance that you will win back a lot of autonomy with the right treatment. Eight years ago I would never have believed that I would be able to put together a lot of independence, do courses, go swimming and so on. Its important to talk to people, seek treatment. I hope that your nearest and dearest are understanding because kindness will help. Ways of relaxing help with the pain - yoga, laughter as well as painkillers. I tried acupuncture but I dont think it worked for me.

I think all the advice above and sharing are really valuable.

XXC

[Hidden]

What I think is important about this site is no one has it sussed.

The great comfort for me is in being able to share each others trials and tribulations as equals ( no one is an expert really) and hopefully no one judges us. So yes I can relate totally to this question. And I have wondered the same about myself at times! I also feel encouraged to read stories about people like Cathie above who have returned from a bad place to achieving a better quality of life. Good on you Cathie Long may it last.

I have used counsellors at various stages and my view is that its worth shopping around to find a person who you like and whose theoretical orientation suits you. having said that if fund are tight you may need to go with GP referral.

I have employed a range of individuals in the course of my life from chartered psychologists behavioural and psychodynamic, bog standard conselling diploma ,integrative psychotherapists and recently a GMTV expert psychologist

for some difficult family stuff/divorce etc. Cost me a fortune !!! There are books and stuff in the libary about different approaches and the evidence base for success. For example The NHS backs CBT and mindfulness as an approach worth putting tax payers money into. For me The GMTV person definately had a skill set worth purchasing and for the time we worked together I really liked him too!! At the end of a day though I dont put any doctor or therapist on a pedestal. They are also human too.

I wish you lots of positive belief that you can find what you need out there! and energy to explore and find what suits you best.

I am trying to do it too.

Best Wishes

Fiona x

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ps Weij if you can let us know how you are? what you decide to do. if you want?. Bit worried about that dark place you might be in.

Fiona

[Sheila_G]

Hi Mand

I have suffered with depression lately and I know how you are feeling. I don't agree that it is just a question of being positive. Depression can hit people for many diferent reasons and in many different ways. If it is a clinical depression it needs a doctor to decide what is best for you. I am normally a very positive person and although I haven't got clinical depression, no amount of positivity would have raised my spirits when at my worst. You need to speak to your doctor. It may be that you just need some antidepressents just for a short time to get you through this period. You will start to feel better very quickly. Good luck

Sheila G x

[Hidden in reply to Sheila_G]

You're right Sheila, it's not a question of being positive - you can be the most positive, glass half-full person and still be felled by clinical depression. I agree with what Sparkle says too - you need to find the right person for you, but the gp counselling service is a good place to start

Cece x