LymeNet Flash: depression

This is topic depression in forum General Support at LymeNet Flash.

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Posted by hopeful123 (Member # 3244) on :

Hi,
Got over the flu about a week or so ago and since then - and doubling up on asthma meds -since usually take half the amount of ADvair prescribed and no albuteral - I have been depressed even more than before getting the flu.

I stopped taking my antidepressant, and although you would think I would want to go back to taking it, I have avoided that. I feel more without the anti-depressant.

This is the problem. How do I know what is causing this depression? Stopping meds or that the Lyme is so hard to treat that I am feeling somewhat hopeless? I know no one can answer this absolutely, but I see a LLMD and he says go back on the anti-depressant. My psychologist says the same.

Even with the anti-depressant I have felt numb and shut-down and I guess there is no way to tell if the Lyme is worse or what.

Any feedback would be appreciated.

Sorry to ramble.

Thanks
hopeful123

Posted by Fairytale76 (Member # 6823) on :

I have to deal with depression alot too. I'm on antidepressants too. I was on Prozac but my insurance wouldn't pay so now I'm on Lexapro. I wouldn't be off them personally. I'm too whacked and depressed and have no control over my emotions without them. My former counselor said that Lyme depresses the body and so therefore depresses the mind. But it's just all so wrapped up in each other. Of course it's depressing to give up the things you used to do and learn to live with what's left. To feel hopeless and sick and misunderstood. Nobody can know what it's like. Nobody in my family knows cause they don't have it. My mom and husband are really great but even they get annoyed with me at times. Heck I get annoyed with me sometimes! I've had Lyme since I was 16. I'm now less than a month away from 29. It's been very hard. I think depression is very normal. So try not to feel too bad about being depressed. Plus just getting over the flu plus still having Lyme I think does something to your psychy and you'll get better. But if you don't like one anti depressant try another. Mine doesn't make me feel numb. It helps me to feel like me not a lyme brain all the time.

Posted by Loribelle (Member # 6293) on :

hi hopeful

i find i am most troubled with depression when i am extra tired, or when i have a cold or whatever.

the flu knocks it out of you and whatever reason you are doubling up on your asthma meds is knocking you too.

i would suggest that no matter what else you do, you be sure to get extra rest right now. and extra vit c and water...

i have been dealing with a sinus infection and upper resperatory stuff too. i'm having to use my inhaler a lot lately and am also having more depression.

i personally seem to have that problem when my asthma rares it's ugly head. i wonder if it has to do with decreased oxygen levels. it sucks when you can't breath!

all i can say is - consider yourself hugged by loribelle - take care HOPEFUL, you too fairytale!

Posted by Paisley (Member # 6502) on :

dear hope,
i am depressed as well. i don't have much energy but wanted to pass on some peace love and harmony - hope you get some today.
regards
paisley

Posted by doxydave (Member # 6366) on :

I found that Ginko Biloba helps depression.

I have read that an imbalance of blood in the frontal lobes can cause depression. The Ginko increases blood to the brain (its good for relieving that cotton wool feeling in the front of the head too) and is said to increase serotonin levels as well.

St Johns wort is also said to help depression, but I have never tried it as I am sure my problem is with blood flow to the brain.

I have never tried anti depressants and never will unless it is a last resort, but I know they do help a lot of people.

Posted by hopeful123 (Member # 3244) on :

Hi,
thanks so much for sharing. I really appreciate it. You all prove that nobody wants you when you're down and out does not apply here.

I went to therapy last night and discussed what possibilities there were besides going back on the Lexapro. I'm going to try a little exercise on my ever so cumbersome treadmill. she said to think of it as an experiment and only do 3-5 minutes for a week, then see how it went.

it's worth a try.

part of the ashtma (extra meds issue) is that I seem to have a very bad reaction to the steroids in the advair and the albuteral. this is not the first time this has happened.

maybe I am still getting used to not being on the lexapro.

i am going to try exercise, although i didn't make it this morning.

we decided that first thing in the morning was the way to go.

I didn't leave myself enough time.

hopeful123

Posted by Paisley (Member # 6502) on :

dear hope,
how are you today?
have you been tested for co-infections? Babs short version, cant spell this a.m.) is supposed to be a contributor of depression as well.

regards
paisley

Posted by hopeful123 (Member # 3244) on :

hey paisley,
Thanks for asking. Somewhat less depressed, although I think it's mainly because I am trying to think about other stuff.

today will be real slow at work which will drive me nuts since it's boring enough on a busy day.

i have bartonella and am being treated for it.

hope you have a good day.

hopeful123