Aa
Aa
A
A
A
Close
Avatar universal

Can Painkillers make you depressed?

Im Casey, Im 28 year old guy & I have been taking Painkillers for back/knee pain since 2006 & I was just wondering if Painkillers can get you depressed?

I've been depressed for about a year or so now maybe a little bit longer because my life *****! I've been single for years, I've been out of work/on unemployment since march 2011, I still live at home, I don't have a car I'm driving my moms car, I'm flat broke I never have any money, I'm always in pain because of my back, I have bad asthma/health problems, I'm not really qualified for any job I have no college degree I had a few job interviews for a waiter position & I didn't get it, in march 2010 I watched my cat of 12 years (raised her from 7 weeks old) die. I had to put her to sleep because of what she was suffering from....

Most of my friends have moved on with their lives & are married or are getting married or at least have their on place & I'm the loser that still lives at home....

I was much happier in 2004-2005 that is when my life started going down hill & it's getting to the point where I don't even care if I live or die anymore. Some days are worse than others & I think to myself should I take this whole bottle of pills to put me out of my misery? I probably would have done it already if I wasn't afraid of going to hell. I also think maybe I'll fall down the stairs & break my neck or get in to a car accident or something like that. Most days I'll just sleep 12 hours a day or stay in bed all day....

I think its mostly just being alone that is making me depressed seeing all my friends going on dates & getting ready for their futures.

Do you think its the Painkillers making me depressed or the stuff I mentioned above or all it?

I'm tired of feeling like this, like I'm a 16 year old boy & not a 28 year old man. What should I do?

Thanks....
2 Responses
Sort by: Helpful Oldest Newest
Avatar universal
Mammo gave you awesome advice! You do sound depressed and should get some help, because it WILL get better. I think depression is like a vicious circle- we feel depressed, which makes us lose motivation and do less, which makes us lose jobs and hobbies and all the things that make us feel good about ourselves, so then we feel worse and want to do even less... as you might have guessed by now, I know the feelings firsthand. It seems to me that just like me, you have a lot of time on your hands and no immediate goals or projects to motivate you. That gives us time to think of all that we're not doing that we "should" be and all that is wrong and it gets very overwhelming. It's so easy to sink into a rut, and so difficult to climb back out. And yes, I think painkillers can make things worse. I don't know if you're addicted to them (which is different from physically dependent). But even if you're not, they mess with your brain as in affecting how transmittors and receptors send/receive dopamine and other chemicals needed to feel normal and happy. I'm on longterm medication and although it helped at first, I now feel that it's draining me of energy.
  Going to a doctor and figuring out what you need to get you feel better is the first step for you. Counseling and/or antidepressants can make a huge difference in how you feel. Once you're feeling more confident and happy, you can start working on the things in your life that you want to change. Start looking into what kind of career you're interested in. Even with health problems, you could probably work. If this seems like too much too soon, find a hobby or interest and get into it. Try to do something that you enjoy and something that makes you feel proud every day- it doesn't have to be major!
  I know life feels pretty meaningless right now, but it doesn't have to be. It will get better, not all at once, but little by little. You can make it happen. Keep posting here and let everyone know how it's going!
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
This sounds like depression and you have many reasons to be depressed.  Dealing with pain on a daily basis is enough but you endured some things that would put anyone into a depressed state.  The first thing you need to do is seek professional help.  There are medications and/or therapy to help you with all of this.  A lot of how you feel is being caused by the depression itself and once you get that under control....your life will turn around.  You have plenty of time to get your life together and to start moving forward with it.  Don't live your life comparing yourself to others....things will happen for you when they're supposed to.  Being 28 and not married is common and you shouldn't feel like less of a man because of it.  Depression robs us of so much...our confidence, motivation, happiness, desire to be with friends, everything.  Take this one day at a time and don't overwhelm yourself with what you aren't doing.  You need to get to a better place emotionally to turn your life around so first things first.  It was a big step to share your feelings with us and we do understand.  We've all been there, so know that there is hope and you can get your life back on track with a little help.  See a psychiatrist for an evaluation and so the two of you can determine the best course of treatment for you. Medication can give you back all that depression has robbed you of and allow you to start planning and building on your future.  We have to fight back, and not give up.  You sound like a very bright young man who has a life waiting for you.  Baby steps...day by day towards feeling better and getting excited about where your life is taking you!  Seek help and live life to the fullest.  Hope this helps and best wishes.
Helpful - 0
Have an Answer?

You are reading content posted in the Depression Community

Top Mood Disorders Answerers
Avatar universal
Arlington, VA
Learn About Top Answerers
Didn't find the answer you were looking for?
Ask a question
Popular Resources
15 signs that it’s more than just the blues
Discover the common symptoms of and treatment options for depression.
We've got five strategies to foster happiness in your everyday life.
Don’t let the winter chill send your smile into deep hibernation. Try these 10 mood-boosting tips to get your happy back
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.