Hi Everyone!
There are a few things that people with lupus don't like to talk about. One of those is depression, anxiety and mood swings. But mostly depression.
In the very beginning when I was extremely sick. Not one doctor would help me, not one doctor would listen to me, not one doctor saw me. I was invisible. Doctors didn't look at me, they read the blood work or looked at scans and then would tell me nothing is wrong. I had several doctors tell me I was faking it, that I was vying for attention because I was pre menopausal. Then they would prescribe meds and tell me to come back in 6 months.
Because NO ONE could or would tell me what was wrong with me, when I was so damned sick, eventually caused me to be depressed. It can be a warm fuzzy place. An escape where no one expects anything from you including yourself. Depression sleep is deep and dark and lovely. Waking up is upsetting and cruel to the human mind. Depression can last for years. If it does one can be lost in it forever. For me I had Mr. M. my mom, and a brother that helped me. After a few months of feeling completely defeated I had a clear day in my brain. I gave Mr. M. instructions on the herbs I needed to clean my body and mind. A few months later I was feeling better and ready to fight the fight. I was and still am lucky. I am not a depressed person by nature and even though I have had a few pity parties I have not been touched by depression since. That is not the case for everyone.
"bitch flips."
In a sing song voice he will say, "Ohhh honey your having a bitch flip, calm down." It's actually quite funny. I get over what ever I am upset about and we try to laugh.
In a sing song voice he will say, "Ohhh honey your having a bitch flip, calm down." It's actually quite funny. I get over what ever I am upset about and we try to laugh.
So if you know someone with lupus or other autoimmune and you notice depression try to help if you can. Sometimes just an encouraging word will make all the difference.
Lupus truly sucks!
Nicole
11 comments:
...I wish you fewer "bitch flips."
I'm glad you have such a good support system in Mr M, friends and family, and that you know yourself so well.
I am glad to heara that you are no longer suffering from depression. I have been there and it is not a good place to be.
Depression is a serious thing, and it's worse since not a single doctor would help. I know they are just humans, but on the other hand, they do need to look at people's mental well being as part of their health, and not just blood work and scans. I hope you're smiling today.
It's enough to depress anyone, being disbelieved while sick, aside from the depression symptom of the disorder itself. I'm glad you have such grit that you still make a good life anyway.
Good information
The early years before celebrities began revealing their struggles with illnesses, people could be very insensitive, including doctors, to folks’ suffering. The ridicule was horrible. Even today though, I’ve heard the it is all in your mind or you worry too much.
You have stayed strong through this Nicole!
Boa tarde e um excelente quinta-feira. Excelente matéria e cheia de esclarecimentos. Obrigado minha querida amiga Nicole.
Depression is a big deal and it is absolutely essential to have an excellent and compassionate support system (Snap out of it is NOT an option) and -- if and when appropriate -- medication. It looks like you are on top of this but I'm glad you are aware it is part of the journey and know what to do.
I'm normally an optimistic person but--yes--when people tell you it is all in your head--in other words, that you're mentally ill--it is devastating to never be believed. I had my son and then Leah--always. Even lost a friend of decades who was a nurse but didn't believe fibro was real. Finding a doctor who believes you really makes such a difference it is hard to describe. :)
My wife has depression when the good weather comes. She struggles in the summer when it's warm and sunny. It's very tough but she tries to get through it and I do my best to try and help.
Post a Comment