posted
I've been dx'd with Lyme (LabCorp) for about six months. I probably have had it for years as I have been dx'd with CFIDS and Fibro almost 20 years ago.
Lately I have been dealing with increasing depression. I've had some stressors so the depression I guess it's not that unusual, but I'm having a harder time fighting it. Can Lyme cause depression (other than depression over being sick).
Posts: 132 | From Texas | Registered: Apr 2012
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Razzle
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 30398
posted
Yes, absolutely Lyme can cause depression.
-------------------- -Razzle Lyme IgM IGeneX Pos. 18+++, 23-25+, 30++, 31+, 34++, 39 IND, 83-93 IND; IgG IGeneX Neg. 30+, 39 IND; Mayo/CDC Pos. IgM 23+, 39+; IgG Mayo/CDC Neg. band 41+; Bart. (clinical dx; Fry Labs neg. for all coinfections), sx >30 yrs. Posts: 4166 | From WA | Registered: Feb 2011
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posted
Lyme and co. attacks our immune system and leave us vulnerable to depression.
May be you can consider light therapy. It is one of the safest treatment for depression.
Hope you feel better soon!
Posts: 37 | From maryland | Registered: Mar 2011
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map1131
Frequent Contributor (5K+ posts)
Member # 2022
posted
JBS, yes this illness can cause depression symptoms. It's a combo of the bacteria playing around in the brain, loss of ones health, when is it going to end stress.
It doesn't last forever with everyone. Once you get your bacteria load down, start supplying body with nutrients it needs and detoxing...it does improve.
I fought for a long time doing anti-depressants. Finally decided in order to function in anyway in life, I had to do something. Cymbalta helped me for a good 5 yrs. I weaned myself off of it this year with no problems.
You might want to consider seeing a therapist. Choose a therapists that deals with chronically ill patients like those with label of fibro, chronic fatigue, pain.
I found once I started seeing someone that I truly was grieving for many things I'd lost in my life. Career and lifestyle. It's normal and grieving is a process.
Pam
-------------------- "Never, never, never, never, never give up" Winston Churchill Posts: 6478 | From Louisville, Ky | Registered: Jan 2002
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posted
I did worse on any anti depressant. They actually made me feel suicidal.
I have to work on positive thoughts and good things to come to get past all the depression stuff. Hopefully you have at least one friend that gets you and can be there for you.
Also, if you are a faith based person, prayer does wonders.
-------------------- Faithful
Just sharing my experience, I am not a doctor. Posts: 2682 | From Colorado | Registered: Oct 2009
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posted
I've heard that a flare of Babesia can cause severe depression.
-------------------- IgM: [18++,31+++,34++,41++,83-93+] [39 IND] IgG: [41 IND] Positive according to IGeneX. Negative according to CDC. Negative for co-infections. Currently treating for Lyme, Bartonella, Babesia Posts: 225 | From Minnesota | Registered: May 2011
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posted
I've found anti-depressants to be very helpful. I'm also taking T3 and this seems to be even more beneficial and has the added benefit for me of lifting brain fog. Sue
Posts: 226 | From Princeton | Registered: Oct 2010
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posted
Oh, I hate brain fog when I think I posted something, but didn't!
Thanks for all the encouraging words. I too can't tolerate antidepressants. I can't seem to tolerate antibiotics either. So I'm wondering if the bacteria is roaming around my brain wrecking havoc.
I believe in prayer as well. It's what has gotten me through so far!
Posts: 132 | From Texas | Registered: Apr 2012
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CherylSue
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 13077
posted
Lyme Disease is a major factor in depression. The abx that kill it causes a depression herx, as well.
It gets better with Lyme Disease (all infections) treatment.
Sunny days will come back.
Posts: 1954 | From Illinois | Registered: Aug 2007
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Carol in PA
Frequent Contributor (5K+ posts)
Member # 5338
posted
Replacing some of the lost vitamins and minerals can help with depression.
Magnesium! The Lyme bacteria use up the magnesium in our cells. Low magnesium can cause depression, anxiety, panic attacks, headaches, muscle twitches, heart palpitations.
You need small doses of magnesium throughout the day, as the body does not absorb it well. You can eat foods high in magnesium, such as Dark chocolate Almonds, almond butter Beans, baked beans, refried beans, bean soup, bean burritoes.
Pharmaceutical quality fish oil can help. The Omega 3's improve the quality of the cell membranes, and nutrients go into the cells better. Waste byproducts can leave.
When the brain cells get more oxygen and nutrients, they function better, which helps to relieve depression and anxiety.
p.s. If your Vitamin D level is too low, you won't be able to use the magnesium effectively.
Posts: 6947 | From Lancaster, PA | Registered: Feb 2004
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