Aa
Aa
A
A
A
Close
Avatar universal

Depression

<a href=http://www.natap.org/><b>Prevention of interferon-alpha associated depression in psychiatric risk patients with chronic hepatitis C</b></a>
8 Responses
Sort by: Helpful Oldest Newest
Avatar universal
Speaking from experience, besides AD's anyone suffering from clinical depression should seek counciling. It made all the difference in the world for me. We like to think we have "control" in our way of thinking. Sometimes that "control" can be very counter-productive to our overall well being. alan
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
Depression was the tx side that gave me the most trouble and yet I did'nt take AD's. I would'nt consider treating again without AD's. My question is-How many still experience at least occasional depression after tx? It's now been one year and certainly it happens less but it still occurs too often compared to pre-treatment when I was almost always pretty positive. frank
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
somehow i managed to skum out on the depression...i never got a bit of it...not that having liver disease made me a happy camper but i never fell into that despair thank God...i was worried about it too as i had it in my past...

i had been on prozack though for years before i started tx for pms and associated problems...worked like a charm if this is what kept me from depression...but i'm sure not everyone gets all the sides either.
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
Has anyone study the effect of both the interferon AND anemia on depressive states?

We all get the blessed anemia, and depression IS a documented result of anemia.  ADD that to interferon and some people can have a real "fun" time on this ride!

I only remember  a 3 wk period where I was devoid of emotions and it scared me terribly, I guess there was ONE emotion left!
I waited it out and it finally passed, after that I was on alert for any mental symptoms that might prompt a trip to the shrink, but it did not recur, and I did not use  meds for mental sides. It requires good familial support and a stress free life to be able to ride this tx without Ads.
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
Hi Califia, Very nice of you to start this topic. I am sure it will be a relief for many to begin understanding what they are going through and not feel they are alone. I would also like to add that if you are about to go through treatment and have past or present family problems to understand that they can become magnified and unbearable during treatment. In my case, it involved my mother who has at least four different personalities and there was no chance of resolving issues before treatment. At my treatment midpoint, she decided that that would be a good time to try to get me to takeover her mortgage and other money matters. The hurt nearly pushed me off the deep end. At that point, I decided that I was not going to communicate with anyone who was bad for my head, family member or not. I certainly could have used some medication during that time. Instead, I chose to suffer negative feelings and ride it out. My exercising helped put some positive thoughts back in my head however I have to admit that if I were not so stubborn I could have had an easier time of it.
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
Yes,,,The depression for me was hard!  I really have been very fortunate in my life to not have to experience that part much at all.  The treatment had its ups and downs and many curve balls. I never got on AD's because it did come and go but I do remember the times that it was sometimes hard out in public to look people in the eye.  I felt so ugly during tx,,,it was awful. It really helps so much to come here during that time to talk about it because so many experience it.  I so much sympathize with people that experience this through their lifetime!
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
That new research doesn't surprise me at all..... Depression was HORRID for me last round... I just wish I had of known "WHAT" exactly depression was when I had it... & how SERIOUS it can be...

Although I had a lot of personal baggage at that time (which has since been resolved) it most definitely affected me negatively last round...  Stress Of-course triggers depression, & I was in denial about what was going on with my personal life, much less accepting that my health was in jeopardy (in more ways than one)!

I had absolutely NO self esteem, I felt unattractive, rejected, & neglected (even by my own family) became a recluse, & tried to completely shut out the outside world.

I had no communication skills, & a very hard time getting what I felt in my heart, to come out of my mouth correctly!

It was horrible watching my world (as I once knew it) crumble around me, & being helpless, by not having any control over what was happening... I was Soooooo "Un-Happy".. & although I myself have never been suicidal, I can distinctly remember telling my partner on Numerous occasions, that "IF" this was all there was left in life... then I was ready for the Good Lord just to take me away... cause I had had enough, & had no desire to continue at that capacity!

It all STILL seems like a horrible Nightmare...

Before experiencing depression... I just figured it was something people Say, or used as an excuse for a crutch...

I guess sometimes we have to experience something "first-hand" in order to be able to understand it!

I highly suggest that EVERYONE take depression SERIOUSLY... & realize that it's NOT "Mind Over Matter" & it does NOT make you a wimp to take anti-depressants... Not Everyone is capable of "Toughing It Out".... & just because you are on AD's, doesn't mean that your dosage might not need to be adjusted at some point & time during tx.

Yes Some folks may be able to sustain just fine without them... but everyone needs to be closely monitored for this, as even those with no prior experience (such as self) can unknowingly become inflicted with that serious side with no prior warning!
That was the most Horrible experience I have EVER endured in my Entire Life!!!

I actually feel Blessed now DUE to that experience, as it has made me more aware, & wiser, & I would NEVER suggest to anybody that it belittle's them in any way, shape, or form, to be on AD's!!!!
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
Aw, sweetie.   What can I say?    Except that I can't agree with you enough about that "mind over matter" ****.   Individual biochemistry is what it is, and you can enter treatment with a positive, fighting attitude and still get slapped.  I posted this stuff because (a) it's new, or at least a newer version of an old theme, and (2)  I always want to underline the message that the rigors of tx are not due to personal failing or insufficient will power.  There's just too much of that New Age garbage in circulation.   After all, the body/mind connection works both ways.

TG this second round of treatment is opening a whole new chapter for you.   But it certainly requires guts to take it on again, which you   apparently have in spades.  ( & this makes gardening reference number what?)
Helpful - 0
Have an Answer?

You are reading content posted in the Hepatitis C Community

Top Hepatitis Answerers
317787 tn?1473358451
DC
683231 tn?1467323017
Auburn, WA
Learn About Top Answerers
Didn't find the answer you were looking for?
Ask a question
Answer a few simple questions about your Hep C treatment journey.

Those who qualify may receive up to $100 for their time.
Explore More In Our Hep C Learning Center
image description
Learn about this treatable virus.
image description
Getting tested for this viral infection.
image description
3 key steps to getting on treatment.
image description
4 steps to getting on therapy.
image description
What you need to know about Hep C drugs.
image description
How the drugs might affect you.
image description
These tips may up your chances of a cure.
Popular Resources
A list of national and international resources and hotlines to help connect you to needed health and medical services.
Herpes sores blister, then burst, scab and heal.
Herpes spreads by oral, vaginal and anal sex.
STIs are the most common cause of genital sores.
Condoms are the most effective way to prevent HIV and STDs.
PrEP is used by people with high risk to prevent HIV infection.