Arthritis Forum
Home.

News.

Personal Stories. Links. Message Board.  
Arthritis Forum  
Add your comments to this topic Start a new topic
Date: 08.04.2012
From: Em

Subject: RA and depression

While in the throes of a flare up that seems endless,I am thinking I am depressed.
I seem so listless. I can't get excited about doing anything and am struggling to even want to go out. Whether this is because of pain and the effort it takes to even get ready to do anything I don't know.
Is this normal...I haven't felt this low before.
Anyone else got these feelings?
reply | back to forum

Date: 08.04.2012
From: Colin W

Subject: Re: RA and depression

Em , it sort of goes with it any long term illness , dont help with flare in RA though , it just runs you down
reply | back to forum

Date: 08.04.2012
From: marlene

Subject: Re: RA and depression

Hi Em, sorry you are feeling so low, but yes this is normal. It takes it toll. When you feel good, put your coat on and go for a walk anything to get you out. I know the feeling of not wanting to make the effort as you feel exhausted before you go. Try getting ready a bit early so you can sit and rest for a while, i find this helps.
Try inviting friends around to you. A few nibbles a glass of wine (if you are allowed with meds) and a good old chin wag can do you the world of good.
Take Care and I wish you well.
reply | back to forum

Date: 08.04.2012
From: rhona

Subject: Re: RA and depression

Hi Em, Sorry to hear you are not feeling so good. I also have R/A and I feel exactly the same as yourself, some days i feel too sore to even bother getting dressed and the disease does exhaust you. Hopefully your flare will pass soon and you will feel a lot better, especially when the sun shines, in the meantime get plenty rest and try and spoil yourself a little. Take care. x
reply | back to forum

Date: 08.04.2012
From: davina

Subject: Re: RA and depression

hi em sorry your feeling like this i know how it feels i am also felling down due to pain even tho i know its what i want and doing it for my son it still gets to me, knowing what i could do and now relaying on others or body letting you down. for me i have my son who is nearly 3 so i have playgroups to attend and even on bad days i will drive 1 road to get there for him. its hard to get motivated and any energy at all when you feel that bad.

take care and chin up, hope you feel better and if need be see your gp xx
reply | back to forum

Date: 08.04.2012
From: Sean

Subject: Re: RA and depression

Hi all
I have had RA since age 20 - now 46. Mostly back and rib cage. It can be depressing during a flare up.

I used to get a lot more stiffness and pain but have been wheat and corn free for 15 years - it makes a huge difference and stopped all my hip, lower back and shoulder pain.

If anyone else tries then please let me know how you fare... As I have helped other work colleagues and friends. If it is going to work for you it will take 1 to 2 week to start to feel better.

I have been researching for nearly 20 years. For depression please check out DOGTORJ.COM - he says it better than I can!
reply | back to forum

Date: 09.04.2012
From: Chris

Subject: Re: RA and depression

I hear you Em, it's really tough. You mentioned endless, that's one of my signals that tells me i'm depressed.
Please Em go and get medical help, speak to a doctor and get referred to someone with experience. I used CBT and mindfullness, they have helped me a great deal. Not only with depression, but also pain and the general dealings of a chronic illness.

You're not going mad, but i feel it's part of the illness. There's a hell of a lot of people in exactly the same boat as you. There is help out there.

Oh, and it is worth the effort to go out.

Best of luck, i feel for you, well us, all of us..
reply | back to forum

Date: 09.04.2012
From: Em

Subject: Re: RA and depression

Thanks for all the reply's and support.
I do go out and have good friends and family.
The thing I find odd is that I have lost the desire and don't seem to get pleasure out of anything, I sort of feel numb. If that makes sense.
I am going on a cruise in May and am even not excited about that.
I feel selfish saying that, as most people would be over the moon.
I just think that the constant pain is the source.
I am going to have to STOP moaning.
You do all help, by responding. THANKS x
reply | back to forum

Date: 09.04.2012
From: bsk

Subject: Re: RA and depression

Hi Em,

I've been through exactly what you describe. Couldn't get out of it so saw my GP and she prescribed an anti depressant which helps a lot. She also sent me on a Mindfulness course - which was absolutely brilliant. If you haven't heard of it, it teaches you to be in the moment through awareness of breath, a kind of meditation but with no attempt to control what your thoughts or feelings. Don't ask me how it works but has been the best thing I have ever done.Really helps when I feel the blues coming on.

I realise neither of these things are for everyone but it is what helps me cope.

All the best.
xx
reply | back to forum

Date: 09.04.2012
From: Em

Subject: Re: RA and depression

Hi again, I am over the moon with my replies.
I have thought of popping to the doctors, but didn't really want any more medication.
I never thought I would ever have to think of anti depressants, but.......
Perhaps I should give in and ask.
Thanks again x Em
reply | back to forum

Date: 09.04.2012
From: bsk

Subject: Re: RA and depression

Might be worth the discussion - might not prescribe them for you lol! Could be other things to help and sometimes even just talking about what is going on helps. xx
reply | back to forum

Date: 09.04.2012
From: marlene

Subject: Re: RA and depression

Hi Em, so glad the forum is of help. When I found this forum it gave me a better insight to all forms of arthritis. Everyone is so postive and helpful. It is also great to be able to have a good old moan to people who understand. Take Care xx
reply | back to forum

 

Add your comments to this topic
Subject:
Please type your comment here:

Your name:
email:

1+6=
(This sum is to help prevent automatic spamming through this page - thank-you)


top

Site design: T - Creative Home | News | Personal Stories | Links | Message Board