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Real members of myRAteam have posted questions and answers that support our community guidelines, and should not be taken as medical advice. Looking for the latest medically reviewed content by doctors and experts? Visit our resource section.

Depression

A myRAteam Member asked a question 💭
Pearland, TX

I'm going through the worst depression ever! How can I get out of it? This is horrible.

February 26, 2016
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Answer Summary

Members rallied around someone experiencing severe depression, with the overwhelming consensus being to seek professional help through a... Read more

Members rallied around someone experiencing severe depression, with the overwhelming consensus being to seek professional help through a doctor, counselor, or psychiatrist rather than trying to manage it alone. Many members shared their personal medication journeys, including Cymbalta, Zoloft, Paxil, Wellbutrin, and Brintellix, emphasizing that antidepressants genuinely help and are nothing to be ashamed of, while others offered natural approaches like 5-HTP supplements, cashews for serotonin, vitamin D, journaling, and spending time in nature. A recurring theme was that depression is a real and common part of living with chronic illness, that setting small achievable goals and staying active helps combat isolation, and that self-compassion, faith, community support, and remembering one's worth are essential tools for getting through the darkest moments.

A myRAteam Member

I take CYMBALTA 60 mg 2xdaily.... It helps to relieve joint pain & body aches ....&....u feel good enough to b able 2 cope w/ whatever comes your way.....b4 taking it, I cried every evening.....no more tears 4 me.....& it all has to do w/this disease....it isn't just u..... It's the RA!

March 2, 2016
A myRAteam Member

Definitely reach out to someone, and talk to your dr! RA is hard and people with it are prone to depression.

I also recently read and posted an article indicating that people with RA are deficient in seratonin, Seratonin plays a big part in mood regulation. I hope you find something--whether it be through talking things out, medication, self-help, etc, to beat this. So very sorry.

RA is a hard diagnosis to handle in itself, and depression often goes hand in hand with it...

March 25, 2016
A myRAteam Member

Like several others I have been on Cymbalta for many years. It helps with the depression, as does exercise. I keep myself extremely busy, I always have more on my to do list than I can possibly get done. If it does not get done, I don't stress out, just add it to tomorrows list. If I have too much down time my depression gets worse. Stay strong and every morning, or every hour, make a conscious decision that you are going to be happy.

March 12, 2016 (edited)
A myRAteam Member

You have to change your lifestyle to incorporate positive things. Walking in any kind of nature, exercise to your ability, pamper yourself with spa's or massages. It is too easy to play the poor me and you have to break out of the "low pattern" and kick it up to the happy pattern. Anything that is a positive in your life must be emphasized. Get a cat, or a dog, or a bird, or a turtle, or a fish to take care of and project to another being. Become a Big Brother or a Big Sister and give yourself to another. What can you do to break of the isolation, depressed feeling and get back in the game. Blessed Be.

March 11, 2016
A myRAteam Member

I often find a walk along the beach refreshing. And when I'm really low. I go out at night and walk in the woods. It's scary and stimulating. Take a torch, but try not to,use it if you can help,it.

take a friend but try not to speak. It's all about letting nature taking over your soul.

Another idea is going out in really horrible weather and just let it invigorate you.

Sending you love.

Derek X
😎

May 16, 2016 (edited)

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