Yesterday, I was working on another entry on my phone regarding the above topic. Somehow, I hit the wrong button, and poof, it was gone!
So, here we go again!
I cannot imagine anyone suffering from chronic pain that does not also struggle with depression. I believe that it just goes with the territory. And of course, some people deal with it better than others. I have been one of those people that have really struggled with not only depression, but anxiety and other related issues. As I pointed out earlier in the blog, I believe that one of the reasons that I struggle with depression is because my sweet Mother struggled with it. And I was dealing with it before the pain and fibromyalgia fun began!!
What about you? Does any of this sound familiar? Did you have depression before or after the pain pain? What about anxiety? Unfortunately, my husband and I both agree that because of some of my poor coping skills, I was a candidate for fibromyalgia!! UCH
Doesn't that sound awful?!!! I chose some poor coping skills that resulted in added anxiety at times. I remember feeling very angry when that idea was first brought up because I was not ready to hear it. It took me a long time to come to terms with that reality!!
But now, if I can help 1 person to understand that my unhealthy choices in dealing with anxiety resulted in chronic pain, then it is worth it!
Looking at studies, many link fibromyalgia, chronic pain and depression. In fact, people with fibromyalgia are up to 3x more likely to have depression at the time of their diagnosis, than someone without fibroyalgia.
When I first became a counselor, I was amazed and horrified at the same time, at the 'brain scans' of' people that were depressed, anxious, in domestic violence, in comparison to "scans of other brains" that were not suffering from the same situations.
Certain researchers were studying the effects of depression on brain chemistry, and looking at the abnormalities of the sympathic nervous system. These abnormalities may lead to the release of substances that cause more sensitivity pain, i.e. depression.
It is interesting to further note the link between fibromyalgia and depression in a Web MD article. It talks about the stress from fibro's pain and fatigue causing anxiety and social isolation. The chronic deep muscle and tender point pain therefore results in less activity. Then this cycle of withdrawal can lead to depression! Some researchers believe that anxiety and depression are part of the fibro diagnosis, just like the trigger points! hmmmm - food for thought!!!!!!!
I pray that your pain is under control, or that your team of doctors is working on that!
Hang in there!
We are all in this together, right?!
From Me to U!
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