I often have to remind myself that depression is part and parcel of having Fibro. As a matter of fact, I don't know many people that I've encountered who have Fibro that aren't depressed or weren't at some point.
However, I ALSO know that it waxes and wanes. Honestly, though, if you're struggling with daily pain and can't get out of the house, you are very likely feeling depressed a good portion of the time. That's why I said in one of my earlier posts that getting your pain and sleep into some sort of manageable state, is the absolutely most important thing you can do for yourself.
Once pain is "controlled" (maybe not completely gone but "tolerable") and sleep is a bit better (you are not awake ALL night or every single time you turn in your sleep, you are awakened by pain), things seem to improve on the depression front a bit.
However, I remember my depression and anxiety being a very huge part of the initial part of my Fibro.
So, rather than trying to gather the standard answers for depression that apply anyone and everyone and not specifically to US, I thought of my own experience.
How did I finally break that hopeless, anxious and very sad feeling that seemed to follow me around all day like a shadow? Well, as I remember, it took a while and some medication changes. Again, I had to deal with the pain and the sleep issues first.
Once those were somewhat "tolerable", I felt able to "get out" a bit during the day. My daughter was in grammar school at the time and I would volunteer for an hour or so at "lunch" aid times. I would also help on some projects in the school office for a short period of time during the day and certainly NOT all days of the week.
I also remember reaching out to a "bible study" group at my local church and was called to join them. I went when I could and it was not a command performance. But meeting new people was a nice thing and I made sure I didn't drag my "Fibro" diagnosis around as a talking point. If someone asked what was wrong, I was using a cane, then I would certainly tell them, but I would then ask them questions so it wouldn't be "all about me".
I remember too that simply bringing my daughter to school or picking her up in the afternoon gave me a purpose to get up, shower and dress.
I did the best I could to NOT sit and dwell on myself or my problems. It wasn't easy.
Of course, we ALL know that exercise, nutrition, rest and getting a bit of sunlight are things that are recommended for all people suffering from depression.
But for me, I had to get out of my house, even if briefly to help others or interact with others in some way.
That, for me, was a huge part of lifting the depression.
I also re-discovered my faith and delved more deeply into it by joining the bible study, watching some inspirational TV programs and making sure I prayed every day.
What have you done for yourself to feel better when you find yourself either slipping into or in the midst of a full blown case of depression?
I'd love to hear your ideas. They could help me and many others....so please share them......
For now, get some rest....if it's time.....as it is here on the East Coast of the US.
Until tomorrow, my dear Fibro friends.......
Blessings..........................
Mo M.
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