[jnorton43]

How many of you have your depression linked to another physical condition or disability? My depression seems to be linked to my epilepsy. All anticonvulsants have this as a side effect, and theres nothing more depressing than waking with your face swollen, your mouth cut to pieces and sore muscles and bruises. I spend a great deal of my time serving on City and State Commissiond, focusing on disabilities, housing, homelessness, and Disabled Veterans, Including those returning with traumatic brain injuries, and Post Traumatic Stress disorder.

My downfall is that I have recently been deprived or paratransit, and fixed route service is very limited, so I have to be home by 8 p.m., and recreation or Church on Sundays, and events on Holidays (like the 4th of July fireworks). This has forced me to resign from many of the boards I serve on, and eliminated all social activities. Although I do enjoy walking. Having to put my dog down a few years ago, eliminated my security, and makes me more depressed when I go to the park, because all I do is think of her! Now I feal institutionalized within my own home!

How many of you suffer similar symptoms for the inability to drive, a heart or respitory problem that limits you from walking, the blind who find it difficult to navigate sidewalks, and so many other conditions that make you depressed? I found from my own disability, and working with others that this is quite common. I would have loved to go swiming at the beach this summer, and a friend in a wheelchair just cried when we went to a little league game. Simply because he was deprived as a child.

Do you esperience this kind of depression?

[Rohag]

Hello & Welcome, Jnorton!

Originally Posted by jnorton43

I feel institutionalized within my own home!

I hadn't thought of it that way, but it's close to the truth.

For me, the depression appeared first, but it became clear in time that it was not alone. I stopped driving years ago and my social life withered. Yes, the isolation does not help the depression.

[St406]

I've suffered from depressive episodes since childhood but within the last few years I have had a series of joint/spine surgeries which have beaten me down. I agree --having to deal with the physical limitations is depressing. It's hard to accept and it's hard to not constantly be reminded of how my body is now different. A recent depressive slide began months ago when I read a medical lab report about a possible tumor near a major artery in my neck. (It turned out benign). In those four weeks before I knew depression gradually hit to the point where I had to go back on medication.

I wish you better health and improvement in your epilepsy. For me --the whole "Be grateful your alive" stance never worked. I try not to dwell and be as active as I can. One thing that I do that does bring a sense of health in spite of my ailments is that I try to live a healthy lifestyle (diet ,exercise). I find that if I do something that is supposed to be physically good for me---that I do feel better somehow about my body. Maybe that might work for you too.

[Dreamy01]

Yes I have a chronic illness which started some years ago, but I have struggled with depression throughout my life. Being isolated and unable to get out much certainly makes my depression worse, as well as vice versa, so it's a double edged sword for sure. I hope your problems ease - it is hard enough dealing with one.

[Marla500]

Originally Posted by St406

I've suffered from depressive episodes since childhood but within the last few years I have had a series of joint/spine surgeries which have beaten me down. I agree --having to deal with the physical limitations is depressing. It's hard to accept and it's hard to not constantly be reminded of how my body is now different. A recent depressive slide began months ago when I read a medical lab report about a possible tumor near a major artery in my neck. (It turned out benign). In those four weeks before I knew depression gradually hit to the point where I had to go back on medication.

I wish you better health and improvement in your epilepsy. For me --the whole "Be grateful your alive" stance never worked. I try not to dwell and be as active as I can. One thing that I do that does bring a sense of health in spite of my ailments is that I try to live a healthy lifestyle (diet ,exercise). I find that if I do something that is supposed to be physically good for me---that I do feel better somehow about my body. Maybe that might work for you too.

you are right, the whole "be grateful your alive" approach is useless. people who tell you that mean well I guess, but it doesn't work at all. my physical issues are not bad enough really, they don't compare to epilepsy for instance, but the psychological stuff like anxiety and sometimes paranoia keep me inside and isolated and it seems like so much work to fight back. it wears you out. it is encouraging to have a good day. it helps so much to read about everyone else's experiences. I am so grateful for this site.

[gma45]

Have you thought about adopting another dog? Or checking on getting a service dog? loneliness can make depression so much worse. I have suffered with depression since childhood I am now starting to deal with the physical stuff. I can't imagine not driving, but I know the day will come. I wish I had better ideas for you. I will keep thinking ok?