Crohns and depression

I think we all have times when this disease kicks us in the butt. I know I have been having a hard time lately, but I also know that it is just a blip and eventually things will go back to "normal" and life will go on. That's not to say I don't have some days where its hard to motivate myself to get off the couch or out of bed even. But it sounds like your feelings have gone a bit further and you are doing what you need to do to get yourself better. I think the first step is to recognize that you need help and seek it. Many people with a chronic illness need anti-depressants at some point. Hopefully you will find one that works well for you and you will be feeling back to your old self in no time. But please know that we are here and always understand what you are going through.

I just started an anti-depressant about 6 weeks ago because of similar reasons and it has made a huge difference for me. I have not felt this good in a long time, and I am in just a much better place mentally and emotionally so that has helped me feel better physically. I have not been this focused and strong in years so it has been the best decision for me.

I think you should definitely give it a try. I wouldn't be scared, I have had no side effects at all from my anti-depressant, just a little hand shakes but barely noticeable.

Best of luck to you!

I think many of us have at one time or another felt the same as you are. Many of us are on either an anti depressant or anxiety med. Who wouldn't feel anxious or depressed with this disease.

But when it starts to invade your life as much as it is yours, then a med can be very helpful as Endeavor said. I had a period about 20 years ago where I had to add an anti-d into med mix. Made a world of difference for me too, and even others noticed the difference. I no longer take them, but would again if I needed to. Right now Xanax is my anxiety med, and I do use it when needed. Hugs!

PS: Don't be such a stranger, lean on us here, who truly understand you to help support you. Hugs!

Hang in there Christina!!! I know exactly how you feel, I've had this DD for 20 yrs now and trust me, having CD definitely warrents one getting depressed....I was actually having alot of suicidal thoughts and I was tired of having CD and being depressed so naturally I just wanted everything to "end" since having a chronic illness makes you feel so hopeless (never being in a full remission over 2 decades tends to add fuel to the fire as well) but I made it through, I'm still flaring but have it under somewhat better control (for as long as the disease will let me that is)...

What worked for me was exercise, and even through many bad flares I found a way to stick with it (I'm stubborn that way) and not only did it help my emotions and mental health but it actually aids with my bowels as well...I work out at home and have gotten nothing but possitive results across the board. My body looks fantastic (for being 44 yrs old) and my mind works much better and I have control over my emotions which sure is nice too.

Sending you BIG HUGS (((((((((((((((((((((CHRISTINA)))))))))))))))))) because I know exactly what you're going trhough and I'm hoping you will find relief and happiness again because it is out there.

Just thinking...if I had gone through with my suicidal thoughts, I wouldn't be here today to go to my youngests high school graduation, I wouldn't be in the pictures we took with him the other day at his grad ceremonies and I wouldn't have been experiancing the very proud moment that I am right now to see my youngest graduating and having so much to look forward to in this new transition of his life along with the tons of advice he needs and will often need from me...I'm glad I didn't deny him or his sister who graduated 3 yrs ago....my family and friends need me and I need them too.

Hi Christina,
I like that you are taking charge and doing what you can to feel better.
I had always been overly optimistic, until this disease showed up! I have found my anti depressant med to be a great help with little to no side effects. My doctor recently added a prescription for Xanax to use when I have anxiety attacks, something I didn't have until crohn's came into my life. Stress effects my symptoms!!
I hope you find something that works for you.
Pb4 has great advice about exercise. It has an amazing ability to lift depression.
Hope your tomorrow's are brighter.

Thank you all so much for your replies, advices and love....  It's good to know I'm not the only one who is going through this phase, and I really appreciate everybody's understanding.  I didn't start the anti depressants yet, I'm meeting with the dr. on Thursday, to discuss my fears for the ant depressants.  I do take an anxiety med the last couple of months, but I don't see much imrovement, that's why he recommended I took the anti d. 

He prescribed an anti d called Valdoxan (that's the brand name here in Greece), and he said it's new, it's been in the market approx. 1,5 years and has great results.  He wants me to combine it with the anxiety med (called Tranxene) at least in the beginning until the anti d starts kikking in.

Maybe the reason I'm reluctant to start taking them, is because my family thinks I don't need them, especially my husband who believes it's up to me and my power to start feeling better.  He doesn't understand that I want to feel better, but I can't...  But as my dr. said, nobody can tell you how you feel, and nobody can decide what to do about it besides me...

The excersice sounds like a good idea, although I'm not a huge fan, I'll try!!!

Anyway, have to wake up the children for school now, and then get ready for work... another day is starting, and it already feels like a huge rock in front of me....

Thanks again for all your support, Nanners I'll try to be here more often, it's just that the past few months I'm so tired, I can;t even open my PC....

Hope you all have a great week!

Love, Christina

hello just wanted to put my 2 cents in about meds and depression. in my life and adventures with these sort of drugs, it takes time for them to work. i currently am on lamactil. just started 7 days ago and so far so good, but years ago i was on effexor and i was agitated really easily. no patience, very snappy and had a bout with road rage. it's really like finding a good recipe. what ever works best for you. i take it along with antianxiety meds.i do know that significant others just dont understand what's going on in our minds. if they cant see a bruise or a broken arm. people don't see inside. well i wish you luck with your medication, if you can't sleep from whatever he puts you on, ask him for something for sleep,because that's the most important thing, espesially being a mother. good luck let us know how your doing, maybe you could write down your disorders on paper for your husband to read sometimes that seems to sink in better. bye for now.sue