Connect with others who understand.

Sign up Log in
Resources
About myRAteam
Powered By
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.

More Of A Touchy Subject With Depression

A myRAteam Member asked a question 💭
Anaheim, CA

Have any of you suffered severe depression from struggling with RA and other chronic illness?

October 31, 2017
View reactions
A myRAteam Member

Yep! Ive been up and down on that roller coaster all my life, but that was mostly attributed to having epilepsy. (Since 5ths old)
I always seemed to manage throughout my life with some of the downs being mostly due to my negligence of not taking the meds but looking back I felt with depression fine while taking the meds...
Fast-forward to 6 yrs ago and being diagnosed with all this Autoimmune 💩 I quickly plummeted, horribly, into the darkness of chronic depression! (even with the meds)
I had a reaction too as (Cjlawrence) mentions in her comment. The Paxil (depression med) and Tramadol (pain med), I found out the hard way-don’t mix! So this caused even more frustration and yep again, compiled the depression even more.
I’m happy to say that I thankfully, sought out some help from a psychiatrist to assist me in the management of all the stupid meds I “get to” take now. (I didn’t want any other medicine conflicts)
She understands, as she has autoimmune issues and her sister has the same epilepsy as I do....needless to say we definitely connected! (This was a God-Shot for me)💕
She added yet another drug to my regimen. Although I was reluctant to take another damn pill...I was pretty desperate for my life, so I did!
This has helped tremendously and made me realize that I “get to” take these meds to AT LEAST have some quality of life!
I was always the type of person who pushed through or past any difficulties...not anymore! (Ok, I admit that I’m still working on accepting) 😉 I am however, so grateful there is medicine to help and I honestly can say that my life depends on most of the pills I “get to” take now.
Best wishes to you! Never stop asking questions/communication is knowledge and that is power for yourself! (((Hugs)))

November 2, 2017
A myRAteam Member

I’ve struggled with depression for the majority of my life and have been on meds for almost 25 years. I was diagnosed 3 years ago, but have been having issues for 8 years before that. I go through times when my depression is bad... luckily it’s ok right now. I do better if I stay busy. Volunteering a couple of days a week does wonders for me. I’m not healthy enough to work, unfortunately.

November 1, 2017
A myRAteam Member

I do get depressed. I'm so tired all the time I just don't want to do anything and if makes me very depressed. I was so active before. I still exercising but can't seem to keep myself moving

October 31, 2017
A myRAteam Member

Before I was diagnosed with RA.I went to a neurologist to get tested for MS. He put me on Cymbalta for mild depression and fibromyalga. Its made a world of difference in both my mood and pain. If your dr is suggesting it I recommed it. If I lapse in taking it I can feel the difference in my pain and find myself getting moody and short.

November 6, 2017
A myRAteam Member

Like I said yesterday... rollercoaster of RA illness and roller coaster of emotions. Today has been a bad day emotionally, depression is getting me. Yesterday I said I was fine.
What a mess. 💩 indeed!!!

November 2, 2017

Related content

View All

Medications

A myRAteam Member asked a question 💭
New Brunswick, NJ

What Makes The Hair Stand Up On My Left Arm?

A myRAteam Member asked a question 💭
Haines City, FL

I Have R A And For Almost 6 Years And I Experience Extreme Fatigue. I Asked My Rheumatologist If R A Causes Fatigue And She Said No. UGH.

A myRAteam Member asked a question 💭
Stuart, FL

Continue with Facebook
Continue with Google
By joining, you accept our Terms of Use, and acknowledge our collection, sharing, and use of your data in accordance with our Health Data and Privacy policies.
Lock Icon Your privacy is our priority.
Already a Member? Log in