Here's a few facts...
- "[In one study of Ehler Danlos Patients, o]ver half of the adults (56%) had been in outpatient psychotherapy some time during their lives, typically for depression/anxiety and relationship difficulties; 22 (54%) reported a history of at least one episode of significant depression, 19 (46%) had used either antidepressant or anxiolytic medication. Three adults had been hospitalized for psychiatric difficulties; 2 of whom had attempted suicide. Five patients reported a history of alcohol or illicit drug dependence and treatment. In all, 29 adults (71%) had received some psychiatric service (medication or therapy) at some point in their lives." EDNF Article
- "[In EDS patients,] problems with anxiety, depression, and interpersonal sensitivity were dominant." EDNF Article
- "Diagnosing depression in the chronic pain population can be a tricky task because the two syndromes share many common features. Fatigue, sleep disturbances, and deficits in memory and attention are characteristics of both disorders." PsychiatryOnline Article
Keeping on top of your mental health is just as important as your physical health. It's easy to forget to look at the things you CAN do rather than what you CAN'T. In order to deal with this personally, I tried writing out things I still can do. I also purchased the book You Are Good At Things. Corny, I know, but it's a good thing to remember.
Thanks for sharing! Sometimes I second guess my own self. Am I depressed or is it real pain? Its good to know there's folks out there going through this with me that can keep me inperspective. Although, I wish no one in the world had to suffer chronin pain or depression.
ReplyDeleteHi! I actually found your blog while searching for leg squeezers {my PCP's office didn't know where to get them, so I'm left to find them on my own : )}. I have EDS, and probably POTS though that is undiagnosed as of yet. I also have Mast Cell Activation Syndrome. Depression is not always a psychological issue, but rather many times it is a true physical issue that needs proper medical treatment and not a psychological evaluation and a few sessions. One of the many possible symptoms of my MCAS flares is depression. Not as a result of the reaction, but it is the reaction itself. When I am crying about everything for no apparent reason, it is a sure sign I need to treat my mast cells. : ) Once I get a hold on them, the depression clears up. I also found that when I found meds to help with my mast cells, the pain level went down drastically.
ReplyDeleteI totally understand what you are going through. It's easy to get focused on problems -- especially when those problems make what we know as a "normal" life impossible. But I'm comforted with the knowledge that the Lord will never give me more than I can bear, and He has a purpose for my life.
I have a Caring Bridge site.... www.caringbridge.org/visit/valerieworkman.
Hope today has been a better day for you! : )
*gentle*(((hugs!)))