[ClinicallyClueless]

I was hospitalized about a month ago for seven days for pneumonia and am still recovering at home. Everyone, keeps telling me that depression after or during an illness is normal. What is normal about having depression after an illness?

It was quite a traumatic experience and included flashbacks and nightmares. I'm on medications and therapy 4x a week for major depression, ptsd and panic disorder. I am discovering how traumatic it was for me.

[Elysium]

Hi there.....

I have major depressive disorder, PTSD, and a scorching case of Oompa-Loompaitis!!

I am also a Nurse....

I have to tell you, in my personal experience, having been a patient, and working with patients who have depression and are going through hard times with their physical health....NOTHING will bring out the depression more than physical illness and hospitalization!! Especially if it was somewhat of a traumatic experience.

There are actually studies being done right now about the prevalence of depression occurring in hospital settings after hospitalizations for certain medical illnesses.

I don't think normal is the best word for this, but not out of the ordinary might be a better term.

I speak from both sides of the bed rails.

I hope this can somehow help you feel a little more secure about your experience. And I do hope that you begin to feel better soon.

[GlitterDust]

Hi

I too have depression and am also a nurse. I also have brittle asthma so usually end up in hospital every few months.

My depression is noticeably so much worse during and after my hospital admissions. My last admission was the most traumatic I have ever had, I came home and had flashbacks, nightmares, anything and everything made me cry.

Also, like Elysium3006, as a nurse I have looked after patients and there have been many times that I/the patient themselves/the patients family have noticed a worsening in depression.

I can't explain it but I can empathise. I hope you start to feel better very soon

[Capp]

Originally Posted by ClinicallyClueless

I was hospitalized about a month ago for seven days for pneumonia and am still recovering at home. Everyone, keeps telling me that depression after or during an illness is normal. What is normal about having depression after an illness?

It was quite a traumatic experience and included flashbacks and nightmares. I'm on medications and therapy 4x a week for major depression, ptsd and panic disorder. I am discovering how traumatic it was for me.

CC,
First, let me say that I'm glad you are recovering and I hope you continue to do so...
I placed a trigger icon in case certain words may upset someone.

In a way you answered your own question. Perhaps you noticed that this type of depression feels different/has added to issues for which you are receiving treatment.

Whenever we are hospitalized for any reason, we are not in control of very much. Being seriously ill requires us to be in a place that is not know for being "user-friendly."
Treatment protocols cover many things--xrays, blood work, medication, perhaps other things--in order for our physician(s) to help us get well. Most likely we share a room with another patient...at a time when we may just want to be left alone.

Combine all these things and many, if not most, people will have some kind of depression during/after hospitalization.
Being at home is wonderful but we are still not well...recovery/regaining strength takes time. Just the fact that we were sick enough to be hospitalized is scary and depressing!

Be as kind to yourself as you can, CC. It stressed you mentally as well as physically. It's good that you recognized this and can address it with your therapist.
And please be patient with yourself...healing of any kind takes time.

My best wishes,
Cap

[timeforsleep]

Yes. Especially when the bill collectors start harassing you. They don't give a damn why you went or if you are depressed.