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572651 tn?1530999357

Is depression contagious?

I ask because it sure seems to be spreading around here.  There seem to be an unusually large number of forum members struggling this week.  

Here's my suggestion for a quick pick me up.........  sing a song, any song will do, but sing it with your full lung power.  Singing releases all sorts of happy endorphines in your body.  

Go on and give it a try - you know you want to. And humming doesn't count .....LOL

Anyone else have other suggestions for shaking these winter blues that seem to have descended in full force?

Let us know what song you pick! I'm singing Wonko's favorite - High Hopes.


Lulu
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751951 tn?1406632863
Lulu, that's exactly what I was thinking.

Jen, if I take a walk around the block, remind me to take the cane, would you?  My wife's threatening to tie it around my neck, as often as I've found myself halfway across the living room and suddenly felt the need for it!
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338416 tn?1420045702
Hey, kids, dont forget that exercise is a great panacea for depression.  Even if it's just a walk around the block.
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572651 tn?1530999357
Pat,
You got a good answer about the crying - emotional lability is a very real symptom of MS.  Inappropriate crying or laughing is a sign of this problem.  

Everyone,
This has been such a healthy discussion about depression  ... to everyone who recommended a support group - that's exactly what this community is in so many ways and it allows us to attend from the comfort of our homes or workplaces.  You are all super!
Lulu  
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634733 tn?1316625992
Thanks to both of you - great advice and so nice to know I'mare not alone. You know until I was finally diagnosed I was never even looked on myself as an undiagnosed MSer so the dx came as quite a shock in spite of an abnormal mri and a probable dx 5 years ago.

Yeh I can get to the singing gigs my problem is that because of my dodgy vision and foggy head I can't volunteer to do solos anymore - which I was very good at - because I'm not sure if I will be stable enough to feel comfortable and confident which you need to be to stand up in fromt of people and sing solo.

I think your right Karen about giving myself a break, working from home means you tend to 'bury' yourself in it and not seperate home from work. Thanks for the advice about the local MS chapter - I'm in the UK so not sure what this means? I really need to find a good neuro - although being sort of diagnosed MS - a specialist MS Neuro would be much better.

I think sometimes we just get to wrapped up in our own problens since hitting 50 years old my GPs have also tended to blame the menopause for the depression - must have been going throigh the menopause for 20 years then since age 34 - hey that was nearly a joke maybe I shouldn't take myslef so seriously.

Thanks to both of you and love to all here I don't write much but check in 2 to 3 times every day to read whats going on and have found enourmous comfort here.

Pat
x
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562511 tn?1285904160
"Anyone else have problems with crying all the time even when it's not appropriate? I have been terrible lately and it's getting worse."

Your words above speak volumes.  First, who says it's NOT appropriate to cry when you are struggling with symptoms and treatment?  Crying can bring a tremendous release to stress and tension.  Of course you're "depressed."  You have a lot on your plate.  

Several years ago when I was recovering from a flare, I would begin to cry, just tears streaming down my face which I could not control.  I attributed this to demyelination directly and not so much situational.  I have a book entitled "Managing The Symptoms of Multiple Sclerosis by Randall Schapiro. (this is my new bible)  I am fortunate to live in an area (LA suburb) that offers MS patients conventions and symposiums which put info into the hands of attendees.  In this book it describes "emotional lability" that can occur in MS.  It also states "The brain has remarkable powers to compensate for the effects of disease, but it OFTEN loses this ability  when one is under stress."  Also, "Individual counseling is helpful when you are having difficulty making the necessary adaptations, when you have a lot of anger, when depression becomes an ongoing problem.  Group counseling may be helpful when you think that no one understands your problems, or when or if your support system is inadequate." (who's is?)
First Pat, give yourself a break.  Support groups, not necessarily in a counseling setting can help a lot.  Find one if you can.  I went for many years once diagnosed and learned so much and was comforted by them.

A good neurologist goes a long way.  Have you contacted your local MS chapter for a list of neuros?  They have many resources and can be very helpful, even for those not diagnosed.  Good luck.  

    
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405614 tn?1329144114
OK, since it's almost 10 am here, I suppose its time to get out of my flannel nighty and into the shower.  The sun appears to be shining, and I'm going to take some of the excellent advice here, and get out and do something!

They opened a brand new gorgeous library not far from here, and I think I'll go take a look!

Kathy
Helpful - 0
405614 tn?1329144114
Hi,

I was wondering if there is anyone in your singing group that could drive you too and from the gigs?  If you truly love singing, then it is the perfect medicine for you, and even if your knees are bad and your vision iffy, you can sing your heart out!  

I have bad knees, hip, lower back, etc., and have been limited in what I can do, including my old water aerobics classes, that made me feel better even when I wanted to stay in my flannel nightgown.

I've been going to physical therapy, and plan on returning to class (with one of my favorite and understanding instructors) as soon as I can.  

Antidepressants have helped me in the past, to get through a few really rough patches.

I'm on my third neuro, and thinking about looking for the next, better one that can figure out what is going on with me, neurologically.

OK, if you really can't get out, you can try putting on your favorite music and singing from the depths of your soul, or try it a cappella.  Funny movies can help; laughing really is good medicine.  Exercise that you are able to do also helps.

I think that crying at inappropriate times has probably happened to a lot of us.  I was reading aloud to a friend last night, and was so into the story, that I couldn't stop myself from crying.  Kinda embarrassing, but my friend was understanding.  I've cried on the way to my car after an appointment with my MS specialist; couldn't wait until I got there, which I've tried to do in the past.

I'm undiagnosed, and that is a very frustrating, depressing place to be.  I try to turn my depression (anger turned inwards) into something constructive, like making sure I have copies of all my files, writing well-worded challenges to almost totally wrong chart notes of my latest neuro, writing reviews of past neuros on doctor-rating websites, and will be writing a good rating of my wonderful primary care doctor, who has been helping me through my multiple issues for a decade, sending me to specialists when she knows I need more that she can offer, and is willing to listen to my ideas.

Depression is common, and something that can be worked with so that you can lessen its impact on your life.  Seeing a therapist can really help; I've had some wonderful ones in the past, and have one at a pain clinic that I can see if I get overwhelmed.

Oh, I just thought of a feel-good exercise; make a list of the positives in your live:  The fact that you are ABLE to continue working from home, that you have an understanding boss, that you're able to keep up your mortgage payments; I'm sure that you can come up with more.

One rule for this exercise; if you start thinking about the bad stuff, put it on a shelf to deal with at another time, and continue focusing on the good stuff.

Take care,

Kathy
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751951 tn?1406632863
Oops, Quix, looks like I was busy typing and missed your helpful answer to my first question.  Thank you.  Fortunately, my last major down episode was more like four years ago, I think, but I'm keeping that aspect in mind as I look for explanations and solutions.

Pat, as far as someone understanding the depression, I will go out on a limb as a newbie here and say that I think you've probably struck gold with this group.  Meanwhile, I thank God that the antidepressants (SSRIs, in my case) were there when I needed them, though I recognize that they are not the full solution.  My depression has typically had a strong seasonal component, so this is not my best time of year, as my disposition is often a reflection of the skies (sunny, gloomy, foggy, etc).  For me, just understanding it has been a big help, though the answer lies (or seems to) in multiple simultaneous approaches.
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634733 tn?1316625992
Just wanted to join in the fray - how about not being able to go out because your last fall damaged your knees which decided to react and I now limited mobility, working from home (thank god for an understanding boss) so money not the issue, but the depression which kicked in last year just gets worse as having a neuro who says 'if I was forced to make a diagnosis I would say you have MS' and this is after 19 years of symptoms and ON which twice made you blind in one eye for several weeks and then he says 'we will see you when and if it happens again!!'

I am a singer - I sing with a local group and often used to do solos now I am scared to as the foggy days and eyesight thing can make the day I turn up to a 'gig' unpredicatable - how do I know that I will be ok that day?

I can't find anyone that understands the depression, they all blame it on a bad first marriage which was over 27 years ago. Over the years I just get offered anti depressants - of course I'm depressed I still can't get a sympathetic neuro - I know I need to keep trying and I am but it is so tiring when you have to keep on working cos the family need your income for the mortgage. I can't even write this without crying!!!

Anyone else have problems with crying all the time even when it's not appropriate? I have been terrible lately and it's getting worse.
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751951 tn?1406632863
Never tried Cranium.

Charades was never one of my best games, but I'm usually up for it, with the right crowd.  Boggle's good, if I recall correctly (Incidentally, have I mentioned the memory problems?), but it's been years.  I've probably played Candyland more recently.  (Incidentally, have I mentioned the memory problems?)
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147426 tn?1317265632
This is to answer your question about depression being a possible first presentation symptom in MS.  Definitely, yes.  Depression can be a direct neurologic effect of the damage of MS along with causing it secondarily.  MS has more depression associated with it than other more disabling neurologic diseases, like ALS.

Many researchers in the field say that if a person has had an episode of Major Depression within two years of the diagnosis of RRMS, then it is appropriate to call that episode an attack/relapse of the MS.

Quix
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572651 tn?1530999357
PD,
I'm over in the Dayton area - I have Balderdash but haven't played in years.  How about Charades or boggle or I'm good for a rousing game of Candyland with my 4 y/o granddaughter.  For some reason she always wins!

Later, I have to go sing some of these songs.
Lu
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335728 tn?1331414412
Nope, Alberta, Canada!  I got a few good ones last night and the girls in our group always fall for mine!  That game is a lot of just good clean fun and to be honest the laughter in this house sent both of my dogs to our bedroom cause we were getting too rowdy!  I would take you on in a game my dear...I love it!  I am going to go buy Cranium this week for something different...never played it but it looks good...have you tried it?

Rena
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751951 tn?1406632863
Nobody will play Balderdash with me anymore, because I always win.  You're not in Central Ohio, are you? ;)
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335728 tn?1331414412
WOW...I didn't even know that one HAD a title Christy!  I haven't heard that in years but I really like it as well!

Well, I had a bunch of people over last night for a Mexican Night and we had Chicken Quesadilla's, Taco Salad, Chicken Fajita's and a laugh and a half!  We played a game of Balderdash and it was hilarious.

Now I know I shouldn't have done it with the way I was feeling last week but went ahead like a moron anyway but ya know what?  It sure was nice to have everyone over and be able to have a good laugh and even though I have been in extreme pain all day, I would do it again...well not for a few weeks at least!

But I just wanted to stress how important it is not to let yourself "hide" in your house because while it may seem like the easiest thing to do you are NOT doing anyone any favors.  Get out of the house and do something other than groceries and banking...go to a movie, go to a museum, go to a comedy club, go for a walk...whatever works!

Lots of painful hugs,
Rena
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590310 tn?1273871747
THE WITCHDOCTOR SONG

OOH TO THE EEH TO THE OOH AH AH
TING TANG WALAWALA BING BANG...

Christy D
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428506 tn?1296557399
Karen99:  I don't have kids, I think I still am a kid in lots of ways, so I do know "Skinamarinky rinky dink, skinamarinky doo, I love you..."  


LuLu:  Oops, there goes another rubber tree plant!  My 8th grade science teacher passed out lyrics and had us sing that song and march around the room.  She was one of the key people who influenced the direction of my education and it's a very fond memory for me.  I try to apply the mentality to many sides of life.  

Thanks for thinking of us and to everyone for sharing ideas of how to keep those hopes high.
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562511 tn?1285904160
Laughter is the best medicine.  The comedy channel, especially the Mind of Mencia.  He makes me laugh at myself and everyone else too.  He somehow puts things into perspective for me.  I walk away not taking things so seriously.  Jeff Dunham, the ventriloquist and his puppets Achmed and Walter lighten my spirits.

The song I love to sing to children is Skidamarinkydoo I love you.  This is a song only people with children or grandchildren would know.  It's the best.  

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751951 tn?1406632863
I could sing practically anything from The Sound of Music; that has to rank among the best musical films of all time.  "My Favorite Things" would be very high on my list, too.  

To return to the thread topic, all of the suggestions I've read so far are excellent.  Since I can't yet move to a sunnier clime, I'll go back through them and try to practice what y'all preach!
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572651 tn?1530999357
PD - Depression is a very common MS symptom.  If you don't get depression as a symptom of the MS, it seems to eventually hit as a situational symptom.  The statistics are very high for depression and MS.  

Rena,
The hills are alive! I love all the songs from Sound of Music.  
Lulu
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751951 tn?1406632863
While we have depression on the table, has anyone heard of depression presenting as the first symptom of what might eventually be realized is MS?  It's only been a couple of months that I've thought about MS as a possibility, but I've had a couple of nasty bouts of major depression in years gone by, and wondered if those could be related.
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335728 tn?1331414412
For me it would have to be "My Favorite Things" from Sound of Music!
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Avatar universal
TO  ALL

HEY----I'M STILL IN MY JAMMIES FROM LAST NIGHT,NOT DEPRESSED,JUST SNOWED IN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I'VE BEEN DOING COLLEGE WORK ALL DAY.FIRST EXAMS ARE NEXT WEEK.I  WAS GONNA BE COMFY LAYING HERE AND DOING IT.

RENA-I TAKE AN ANTI-DEPRESSANT  TO---IT HELPS MY DEPRESSION FROM THE PAST YEAR AND MY SPASMS.

GRANDMA ALWAYS SAID THIS TIME OF THE YEAR OPEN THE CURTAINS AND LET THE SUN SHINE IN.

I'LL  CHECK IN ON MONDAY,TOMORROW,NO COMPUTER,GIVING MY EYES A WELL DESERVED REST.

T-LYNN

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486038 tn?1300063367
ok.... So.. I'm singing loudly "IF YOU'RE HAPPY AND YOU KNOW IT SAY AMEN... AMEN"

I just got back from a wonderful movie night with friends watching Inkheart. I always enjoy planning one fun thing a week to look forward to.

I always try to make other people smile. It helps, becuase you have to smile to. :)

I agree about that whole getting up and getting dressed thing... it does help! :) Now, if i could just take the time and find a person to help me find the make-up that wouldn't make my face break out from allergies I would do that also. I just splash my face with water and go. :)

Have a wonderful sunny day everyone!!!
~Sunnytoday~
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