Depression or laziness?

I have long term depression. I am 69 years old and all I do is sleep and watch TV. I am now rather a recluse and don't want to do anything or even see anyone. Sometimes I don't even want to move at all. Is this still my depression or has it turned into laziness?

[lynadal]

I know exactly what you mean. I am the same. I have literally spent the last 10 years lying and sleeping on my sofa because I can’t get upstairs. I even have a commode. I don’t go out. I live with chronic pain for so long now and I’m 52. I know that you sometimes doubt if laziness plays a part, but when I move - it hurts, I can’t walk or stand and have also become a recluse. My house is a mess and I won’t let anyone in because it is so bad. I just feel like I’m living to die. So I do know how you feel hun. Take care. Xxx

[Hidden in reply to lynadal]

I am so sorry you have these problems at such a young age too. I don't think laziness is part of your problem as you are in pain! Don't worry about the house Lynadal as you are the important one. Can you get help with getting out and about? Take care xx

[Berrytog]

Long term pain has this effect as the option of doing nothing provides the best pain relief particularly with PNE. With no cure or permanent relief on the horizon the body and brain shut down, Doing nothing causes depression, you know it's wrong but you feel unnable to stop the downward spiral.

You start with extreme anxiety and fight the pain searching everywhere for a solution to your pain and lack of quality of life but in the end with no success you shut yourself away talking to friends less and less and family occasionally. Ashamed of your condition, maybe only getting washed and dressed now and again, depression has set in and until there is a solution things will remain the same.

Sitting and sleeping all day has a knock on effect as more aches and pains will appear which you put down to the all consuming pain and general condition. But these are caused by not using your body and muscles as you did.

The solution lies within, fight the pain, take a positive mental attitude, set yourself goals, invite people to you. Put things in your mind other than just thinking about the pain.Pain is as much in the mind as the body proved by the tapping exercise which reduces the pain from ten to two, mind over matter.

A long term solution to Pelvic Pain depends on the individual and what is the root cause. Many swear by muscle manipulation others by medication, pain clinics have some success by both. Unfortunately research for these problems are last on the list in the UK, many GPs and consultants have not heard of PNE but put it down to a mental problem then walk away. There is some success in Nantes, France but you only hear of the successes not the failures. Equally so in America with Cryoabalation but does freezing nerves in the bowel cause incontinence?

Whatever, a certain amont of self hypnosis may assist with your depression by putting youself subconsciously in an enviroment that is pleasing, a garden with all your favourite things and no pain. When you wake you will feel more positive and that's the start. Try it twice a day, there are many CDs on the market for this. Self help! Spring is on the way!

[Lipsyl]

Hi Jennifer, I know exactly how you feel. After an exhausting round of complex surgery and acute pain over the past 3 years, I am now at the stage where I have realised that something now has to change. I am a long term sufferer of depression and I also questioned whether the lying around and day time TV is really "necessary" now. I would suggest that if you are unsure if you are depressed or lazy, you need to talk to your Dr about this and your medication. It could be that you need a change of meds or a different mind set. I have decided to take the bull by the horns and have committed myself to using our running machine every other day. Just walking around half a mile at the moment but I intend to increase this gradually. I have also committed to a 5 week Pilates course in our local village hall. £30.00 up front so I'm not going to lose that! I am a young 60 and I hope that I have found my mojo. I also found it helpful to get up and get dressed instead of spending all day in my nighty. This has produced a psychological change in that "I'm ready for anything" kind of feeling. Hope you manage to turn your life around. Good luck

[Hidden in reply to Lipsyl]

Thank you so much Lipsyl for answering and you have helped me. I have been going wrong by not getting dressed! I will start tomorrow and try to go out too! Thank you once again.x

[Lipsyl]

I'm so pleased for you, please let me know how you go. I woke this morning grumbling that it was "walk" day but I did it at a 4:00 this afternoon and really enjoyed it, it was my choice! I also got properly dressed at 09:45, because it was my choice! Small steps, small goals at first, don't set yourself up for failure by trying to fly to the moon before you can walk to the toilet!!! Best of luck xx

[Hidden]

Well done! Unfortunately I wasn't so good. I have slept all day yet again. I will try very hard tomorrow. If you can do it so can I! I am cross with myself for not doing it today but tomorrow is another day and I will let you know how I get on. Take care Lipsyl xx

[Hope2577]

I am glad I saw this post in my email, as I believe everything happens for a reason. I have had pudendal neuralgia for over 15 years. I have Interstitial cystitis, intense genital pain, bladder pain, charley horse muscle spasms in the pelvic area, and overall pelvic pain. I have been through nerve blocks, Botox, 11 surgeries in 13 years, an interstim implanted in my back, pudendal nerve decompression surgery, and hopefully a ganglion root pain stimulator soon. I have a lot of knowledge in this subject and resources if you need any. Dr Hibner in Phoenix, is the best surgeon in the United States when it comes to pudendal neuralgia. There's also new technologies, such as pain stimulators, as well as other pain options such as Valium suppositories, other types of suppositories, Physical Therapy, Etc. Please let me know if you need anything. I've survived three attempts due to the nature of the pain, and have great articles you can take to your doctors to help them understand. It is the most sensitive nerve in the body and can come with sensory problems as well, and with it being as a rare at as it is you will not find hardly anyone who understands. So if you need anything, even someone to chat with, just let me know. I understand depression, and I'm sorry you're going through it. Try and stay positive.

[Pumpkins226]

Depression. Could also have social anxiety disorder. Try Xanax ER and see if that helps at all or a mild antidepressant like Wellbutrin. I'm 40 & I have the same issue but I'm dealing with chronic pain & depression. Instead of just watching TV try and use your mind in a constructive way like reading. If your not physically moving much don't let your mind and body waste, try to keep your mind sharp.