Kickas.org Forums Ankylosing Spondylitis General Discussion #1 AS Web Support Group Depression, BAD; is there any hope?

Dragonslayer
Thank you for your undrstanding and I am sure your well meant advice.
Debbie

sure theres hope Deb - where theres life there hope *hugs* - I find the depression more energy-sapping than the AS some of the time as Im sure we all do - try and find the things that make you smile, laugh perhaps a movie and just try and relax - call a friend maybe. First and foremost you have to come to terms with the fact it isnt your fault- secondly every single person on the planet regardless of shape size or colour just likes to do bloody nothing once in a while so do that and dont feel guilty. If your mum wants to help, let her ! Shes obviously a champ.

I myself dont take many painkillers post-Enbrel but I do feel the antidepressants make me very tired, especially mid-afternoon.

Im not familiar with the rate of improvement with Humira - maybe a chat to your Doc about trying one of the other types may be of help. Some of the others here are more familiar with Humira & Remicade but from what I read Enbrel produces the best initial results.

the road to depression seems a short one at times Deb but the return journey always takes a little longer. Keep popping in and we'll walk back with ya ... hows that sound ?


*HUGS*
Patrick

Wow!
Everyone of you have been so sweet to take the time to not only reply to my post, but explain so much. I can't express how grateful I am to all of you. It was very nice to log on and find so many of you reaching out to help. I am going to make that appointment with my gp. He does not listen very well anymore, but I will try to stop him long enough to make him understand that this depression is so much more than I think it should be. Funny thing is I know what it is, but yet I still cannot seem to make myself pull out of it. I sorry I did not respond earlier today, but just could not pull myself together enough to even answer the phone, much less sit at the computor.
I am taking the Effexor for the depression and have been for a long time, and it use to do pretty good. Maybe like you said, my body has just got used to it, and it is not working anymore
I live in the boondocks, so there are no health clubs or indoor swimming poos, so I guess water exercise is out. You guys have give me many ideas and I will try to put some in to action. Thanks again for caring and taking time from your busy life to listen and send your help.
Debbie

Dearest Debbie,

I hope you start feeling better real soon. I have been fighting depression for many years and started taking antidepressants in 1980. I have learned to cope much better over the years but some days I can hardly stand being around myself. It's important and very helpful that you find someone you can talk to. I just wanted you to know that I am routing for you and there are better days ahead. Your in my thoughts.

Sherri

Debbie, as you can see, a lot of us have gone through what you're going through right now. If we can make it, so can you. Talk to your doctor and don't take no for an answer. make him listen to you and do whatever it takes to get you out of this slump. Maybe change to a different anti-depressant or up your dosage. It's important that he understand how you're feeling. Do you have any mental health professionals near you? If so, think about going to see them, they could be a big help.

Don't give up, things will get better