So how do you deal with the bouts of depression?

**roomba** · 08-25-2009, 07:05 AM

Hi all,

This is all pretty new for me (although I'm sure this happened during my last surgical crisis - anemia and emergency hysterectomy) but it feels new. I am usually very active, pretty happy (not depressed by nature) and now I am trying to figure out how to adjust. I'm getting the blues fairly frequently - not sure what to do with my new non mobile self. I'm not doing any aerobic activity except a little walking around my office - just my core strengthening. I'm trying to get the motivation to get on my stationary bike but am not having much success.

I want to plan stuff to do with my family but can't do anything that involves walking or standing. I love to plan vacations but since I don't know what's going to happen with surgery and recovery, I don't feel like planning anything. I am at a loss. And I feel guilty because I don't think my problem or pain is anywhere near as bad as others on this board.

So I guess I'm having a pity party this morning. Any tips on coping or some levity would be appreciated.

Thanks for listening.

Natalie

**KBear** · 08-25-2009, 09:42 AM

First, pain is pain, doesn't matter how bad it is, it all sucks.

Second, we all have pity parties, just part of the deal. I would suggest getting put on an antidepressant to help with that. You can get put on Cymbalta and it also has a 'pain indicator' and can help with back pain. When I was first put on it, my back pain went away entirely for a couple of months. I am now on double the normal dose, because my pain management doctor felt that it could help with my pain.

I also really try to count my blessings when I'm feeling down, this seems to help put it in perspective. Good luck and hope you feel better soon.

**ajj1001** · 08-25-2009, 11:00 AM

I had a bad bout a few years ago (strangely when I was very well the psychologist thought I had trouble coping with the whole spine thing and so it didn't really matter about my physical state at the time)

She taught me lots of tips that worked well and finding someone to talk to about it was the most important one. I found someone who I can tell how I am feeling and this really helped me. You have made a very positive step by sharing this on the forum.

Other things were looking at what I was thinking ie "my body is useless and can't do what I need it to" and then make a list of the reality ie "I can still, eat a meal, talk to friends, watch a movie."

The thing that I have used most ongoing is to look at setting short term goals so that I can aim toward something and not get stuck in the bad moment. ie prior to my surgery in may, i set my recovery goal to be "to be able to attend my daughter's graduation in August". I broke this down into little things I would need to be able to do to achieve this. Each had to have a moveable and realistic time frame ie "to be able to sit for 1/2 hour by the end of June"

I have also set some skills (not activity based) goals such as learning to hand sew patchwork that can be achieved whatever my physical state ends up like. We are valuable people whatever our bodies are up to. People don't love us for our ability to lift weights or run.

**Justin** · 08-25-2009, 04:07 PM

Originally Posted by roomba

Any tips on coping or some levity would be appreciated.

Thanks for listening.

Natalie

Hi Natalie,

The advice in the posts above is very good. I will also make a suggestion: discuss this issues with your Primary Care, Surgeon or Pain Management doctor. With your surgery around the corner and with everything on your full plate right now, it is a good time to discuss some of the resources available to patients (namely medications and biofeedback).

Depression is not something that people can just "tough out," which society frequently suggests. It is a neurotransmitter imbalance.

Here is a great definition from Medterms.com:

Depression: An illness that involves the body, mood, and thoughts, that affects the way a person eats and sleeps, the way one feels about oneself, and the way one thinks about things. A depressive disorder is not the same as a passing blue mood. It is not a sign of personal weakness or a condition that can be wished away. People with a depressive disease cannot merely "pull themselves together" and get better. Without treatment, symptoms can last for weeks, months, or years. Appropriate treatment, however, can help most people with depression. (My italics)

By the way, you are not having a pity party. The life of a Spine Patient can not only be filled with physical struggles but also those that affect the mind.

The body-mind connection has been well studied and they are inherently linked, so what you are going through is completely natural.

Your best bet is to meet with your treating physicians to address your concerns and utilize the many resources at their disposal.

I wish you the very best.

**KBear** · 08-25-2009, 10:26 PM

Great advice Allison and Justin!

**roomba** · 08-27-2009, 06:59 AM

Took a day off from work, got some meds (for pain and mood) and am feeling a bit better - just really tired. I'm off to get myself on the stationary bike now. Gotta get in the best shape I can for surgery.

Natalie

**Katie** · 08-27-2009, 07:47 AM

I have found that lack of sleep can really contribute to the blues too. Serious blues, not just a down day. Sometimes I need to have a catch-up day and sleep all night (as much as possible), then most of the next day also. It really helps me anyway.

**Justin** · 08-27-2009, 08:28 AM

Originally Posted by roomba

Took a day off from work, got some meds (for pain and mood) and am feeling a bit better - just really tired. I'm off to get myself on the stationary bike now. Gotta get in the best shape I can for surgery.

Natalie

Hi Natalie,

I just wanted to give you a heads up about medications for depression--they can take 4 to 6 weeks to start "working."

I hope you are doing well. Keeping active before surgery will truly make your recovery that much better.

You are an inspiration to Spine Patients.

**ajj1001** · 08-27-2009, 11:22 AM

Originally Posted by Justin

I just wanted to give you a heads up about medications for depression--they can take 4 to 6 weeks to start "working."

...
and you can have a very odd couple of weeks when you start to take them so stick with it.

Good to hear you are keeping in shape and do shout up if you need to offload/moan/share.

**roomba** · 08-27-2009, 08:56 PM

Right now I am just sticking with Xanax for the blues. I used it a few years ago when I was also on Celexa during another really rough time (a lot worse than this....) I found it was a quick, non commitment type of help. So far I only needed one the other day. I really don't want to go back on the serotonin anti depressants unless I feel like I really need them (been off for a while). I'm all for them when they are necessary but I don't think I'm there yet. Feeling ok today too - just really tired...I'm also hoping getting back to regular exercise, albeit much lighter than before, will help.

The Dr's office did tell me many spine patients are on anti depressants - it's tough to be in pain most of the time as most of us know....

Thanks you guys!
Natalie