depression and anti depressants

[shel67]

So trying to deal with this. Knowing but not knowing its MS. Had tests done (MRIs) and I await the doc visit.

Anyway, I'M not doing so good. Depressed, desperate, panicky and I am so afraid of becoming disabled where I cant care for my family. Right now I'm really not cuz upset not knowing if these symptoms are permanent or not.

I just want to feel good enough to watch a TV show or be with my kids, husband and be relaxed so I can get some enjoyment out of it.

My question is can some of the lack of interest in doing anything be due to depression and not possible MS itself? Would anti depressants help? Has anyone gone through these kind of feelings and what did you do for help?

[HVAC]

It is hard I know.

Alex

[shel67]

Thank you so much Alex. You are an inspiration.

[HVAC]

I have had MS for 50 years and late stage cancer for three. I take medication for depression and anxiety. I went to a counselor for 5 years.

I am not in tuned to my MS symptoms. I was with my physical therapist. She said don't you hear your left foot slap the pavement. I said no. I had to really think about it.

I hardly think about the cancer unless I am throwing up from chemotherapy. I have learned to know my symptoms but not have them take over my life. If I had not gotten medical care for my moods I would probably be freaking myself out about the two illnesses. Nothing has changed with my two illnesses. I still have MS and a progressing cancer in my spleen and lymph system. The difference is with therapy and medications I am not letting illness rule my lives. I also used to look at the worst case scenario. For me that is death. I made myself so crazy thinking about it. Now I do not and I am happy.

Part of taking care of yourself is to be able to step back from the anxiety.

Alex

[shel67]

Thanks y'all. I know I need to get a grip and make the best of this for my kids and family. I was given a script for celexa but I'm afraid of side effects adding to the mix (more dizziness and blurry vision) and then the withdrawal if I can not tolerate it. I'm not a medicine person but I better become one I guess cuz life's changing.

[immisceo]

Oy vey, the correct verb for "tosuck" is apparently too nuanced for their filtration software. Ha! Take two: "My depression *takes* the colour out of the world."

[immisceo]

I take an SNRI anti-depressant and have CBT (cognitive behavioural therapy) sessions. I also do mindfulness meditation a little bit every day. My lack of interest in things is almost invariably my depression, not my MS. My MS can make certain things tricky from a strategic standpoint, but my depression ***** the colour out of the world.

If you're worried about things that may or may not come to pass to the extent of not being able to find joy in present things, then it's time to start discussing depression and anxiety with medical professionals you trust.

[HVAC]

I became very depressed when I was being diagnosed with MS. AS you say the feeling of becoming a burden. I did go to a therapist who dealt with chronic disease and went on anti depressants and anti anxiety meds. They did not hinder my MS diagnosis. I stayed in counseling awhile and am still on the medication.

I also got over the fear or disability. I found worry is trying to control the future and you can't. Control is an illusion. Much of our lives are out of our control especially our health.

I also learned that not every scenario of MS will happen. I stopped waiting for the other shoe to drop. Adaptability is the key to MS. You have to adapt to changes.

I also learned depression hurts those we love so it is important to treat it. Especially if you have kids. I had depressed parents and it made me gloomy.

Take care of yourself.

Alex