[ealt1122]

Hey all. I've had anxiety for the past few years off and on. Relatively speaking, my anxiety is pretty low in comparison to what it was. I've done talk therapy, as well as a recent course of anti-depressants. The initial side effects and the withdrawals were terrrrible, but the time in between was okay. I don't feel any different now that I'm off them than when I was taking them. I used to be anxious to even leave the house. I've been doing tremendously better in that regards. However, since I've been anxious for so long, I think I've developed a tendency for being depressed. And I think I get sick too often. Even as a young kid, I remember getting sick alot. Nowadays, it seems like I get sick wayyy to easy. Like once a month at least, sometimes more. I've recently started going to the gym with some regularity in order to break out of the semi-depressed funk I'm in because everyone says exercise is the cure-all for depression, lol. It seems everytime I get into a regular gym pattern and try to push myself, I "get sick". Not a full blown flu type sick, but a general malaise, achy, headache kind of sick. Enough to make me feel sick, and not feel like doing anything. It's sort of like the way you feel right before you get a really bad cold, or as the flu is winding down in the final days. Anxiety seems to be a warning sign for me now that I'm about to come down with something as it will usually start with a bout of anxiety out of left field. Anyway, my question is, are these symptoms just me having a crappy immune system, or could they be symptoms of anxiety/depression. It usually resolves in a week or so like a cold would, but the frequency is what has me puzzled. Can depression mimic a cold? I know I'm exposed to new germs and such at the gym, but it has also happened before I started exercising regularly.

Anyone want to shed some light? Thanks!

[DianaCW91]

Well depression can cause many physical systems (headaches, muscle aches, joint pain, backaches and so on). Many of theses also come with a cold. I guess it is hard to know really and the only way to be sure is to talk to your doctor.

I've not been much help, sorry. I do know how you feel though. I thought I was just a sick child who grew into a sick adult. I took vitamin C, D and echinacea all to no end. I am now learning that my depression hid itself in what I thought were colds.

[ealt1122]

Originally Posted by DianaCW91

Well depression can cause many physical systems (headaches, muscle aches, joint pain, backaches and so on). Many of theses also come with a cold. I guess it is hard to know really and the only way to be sure is to talk to your doctor.

I've not been much help, sorry. I do know how you feel though. I thought I was just a sick child who grew into a sick adult. I took vitamin C, D and echinacea all to no end. I am now learning that my depression hid itself in what I thought were colds.

Yea, for me it's hard to know if the "cold" is the depression itself, or it bogs down the immune system enough that you actually do catch a cold.

I've been to the doctor and had bloodwork and everything done, so I know it's nothing life threatening. That's good I guess. Something major would of shown.

I've been researching into the possibility of adrenal fatigue. Maybe elevated cortisol that makes my immune system not work at its full capacity? I dunno. Maybe i'm just a hypochondriac lol.

[DianaCW91]

Originally Posted by ealt1122

I dunno. Maybe i'm just a hypochondriac lol.

It is easy to think that when you can't figure out what is wrong and you don't feel well. You are doing all the right things. Keep working with your doctor