Help...Depressed!

S

slnewmanpt

Cathlete
I was debating on posting this here and decided I would go for it.

My husband and I recently moved to Phoenix, AZ from Tucson. I am having an extremely hard time adjusting to Phoenix. I have had kidney problems for years, and knew I was losing function. In 1996 I had my function tested and it was 70%. I was without insurance for awhile so was unable to see a nephrologist. We got insurance when we moved up here and I was able to have lab work done again. My function went from 70% to 30%. I was taken aback, but thought I had accepted it. Since then, I have suffered from a kidney infection that the docs can't seem to clear up.

I have always suffered mild depression, but I'm really starting to get concerned that I can't "shake" this. I'm sorry if I'm overstepping my boundaries posting this here, but everyone always has such good advice. Maybe just getting this off my chest will help. I know no one in Phx. to talk to.

On a brighter note, thank goodness for Cathe! Even feeling so down, I always look forward to my workouts.

Thanks for listening everyone.....now I guess I'll get off the pity pot and go get my dose of Cathe.

Sherry
 
I am glad you posted. Sometimes just connecting with others can really help, especially when you are feeling lonely. Now that you have insurance, you should really look into seeing a therapist, especially since you don't have anyone to talk to in Arizona. Everyone feels down now and then, but when it begins to affect your life, and doesn't seem to subside it can be all consuming. Please think about seeing someone, and feel free to post whenever you need to!
 
Sherry: sorry to hear about your difficult time. This forum is great. I cried on everyone's shoulders awhile back about a painful breakup, which i am still trying to work my way through. it is very very painful. These guys are great motivators. I didn't/don't even feel like working out; at least you are still motivated to do so.
just know that you're not alone - i have been mildly depressed for YEARS, and the breakup just exacerbated it something awful. i swear i'll never get over the rejection/betrayal. unfortunately, you are going through physical as well as emotional things.
please take care of yourself and i agree - turning to cathe's videos is comforting - like visiting an old dear friend.
 
Sherry,

I agree that now that you do have insurance, really think about seeing a counselor/therapist. Sometimes we need someone removed from our lives to talk to about what's going on with us, to us, and around us. Of course the forum is always here, so you can always plug in here anytime 24/7.
And as long as you're motivated to do Cathe, keep doing it! I read numerous articles about exercise being essential for dealing with depression, something about the endorphin/feel good thing that happens in our bodies when we exercise. :)

I'll send some positive vibes your way, take care :)

Donna
 
thank you all!

Thank you all for taking the time to respond to my post. Sometimes just knowing people are out there is such a great help. I have lurked on the forum for a couple of years and just began posting. It is so comforting to have all of you out there!
Thanks again!

Sherry
 
RE: thank you all!

Moving to a new place is considered one of the major traumas a person can experience in life. Having a major physical problem is sure to compound the distress. Your depression has logical causes and seeing a therapist should help. Further alternatives could include getting out if it is at all possible and trying to make contact with people, making new acquaintences, and developing your interests. I don't know if you are working, which might make you too tired to take classes, but if you can, perhaps try to join some organizations, something that interests you, or take a class, or join the Y where you might meet other people. Volunteering might be helpful and help you meet people. Perhaps there are newcomer clubs, or welcome wagons (do such things still exist?) where you can learn what's available. Do you have children? Can you get involved in the PTA or school activities so you can meet people?

Hope this helps.
 
I was having panic attacks, eventually started getting weepy & having anxiety. I started taking a low dose of Paxil and it has worked wonders for me. Cathe and Christi help elevate my moods & Paxil makes me feel normal again. I've read people say it causes weight gain but I've had no added poundage thus far. If you're not taking an antidepressant, ask your doctor if he/she thinks you'd benefit from one. I felt better after a few days. If you don't first succeed, try again. I was allergic to the first drug prescribed but am thankful that I tried again. Please try therapy and see if it helps you.
As for a new location, I thought the PTA suggestion was a good one. I served as the membership person for a few years. Take classes and do whatever you enjoy. You'll meet others that way too. Good luck! I had strep throat that wouldn't go away. I was on antibiotics for 2 months. A tonsillectomy solved the problem. The doctors will eventually fix you too. Think Positive!!
 
Thank you all again for responding. I think counseling is a good alternative. My children are grown and attending school from where we moved. I think that is also part of the problem.

I have been on antidepressants before and they did seem to help. In fact, I was taking Paxil and it did elevate my mood. My husband is opposed to me taking andy sort of medication, but he is going to have to understand that they may be necessary.

Again, I appreciate all of your input. It's great to be able to "talk" to you guys!

Sherry
 
Have you thought about returning to school? I'm doing it and there are a lot of 'over 30' students. You will meet people and get your mind off your problems. You may even have a degree when all is done. Or take fun classes.. cake decorating or anything that interests you. Push yourself to do things. Once you're out, you'll feel better. Therapy has helped me because I can tell all and not be judged. Keep exercising w/ Cathe too! Plan a vacation -- We're going to Disney.. I'm almost as excited as the kids. I haven't been excited in a long time.
I took pyschology l and 2. Depression is just like diabetes or your kidney problem. You are NOT weak minded. Don't let your husband discourage you or tell you not to use an antidepressant. I'd much rather be able to think clearly and have sanity. I would 'worry' and not be able to dismiss my thoughts. Paxil has made my mind normal again. If I were you, I'd get back on Paxil, especially if it worked for you in the past. Its my miracle pill & everyone supports me taking it. I've recently been down and don't ever want to be there again. Life is short...don't let depression take over... we are fortunate to have drugs that work. Take advantage of them!
 
Hi Sherry,
My heart goes out to you. You sound like you are dealing with so much right now. I wish I could offer some advice, but I am not sure what to add so I will just offer my support. Please keep posting. It is great that you continue to work out.
KS
 
I'm sorry to hear about your kidney problems. I've been diabetic since I was 10 years old and I worry about my kidneys as well as other diabetes problems. Currently, my eyes are giving me problems. Chronic health problems can be very depressing. They aren't kidding when they say you have everything when you have your health! I think seeing a counselor might be a good idea, although I have never gone this route myself. Why are your kidneys giving you such trouble, if I may ask? I use to get kidney infections all the time when I was in my early 20's and now I don't get them anymore.
 
The new posts to my original post cease to amaze me! What a wonderful support group all you guys are!:D

Seed~I have a disease called Medullary Sponge kidney. I understand your concern with your kidneys, and yes, people just don't realize how lucky they are to have their health. I became a certified personal trainer last year and because of constant infections and fevers that go with it, I am unable to work. Fortunately, I have not had to deal with this since childhood. The docs didn't discover it until 1985 after the birth of my youngest son. Do you have any idea what ramifications your diabetes is going to cause you? I remember when I got certified, we studied a bit about diabetes and exercise is one of the best things you can do for it. Exercise is a wonderful thing, isn't it? It has sustained me through many hard, hard times for the last twenty years!

Thanks again, all!

Sherry
 
Hi There,

Sorry to hear about your troubles right now. My situation is different, but I know how it is to be depressed and not know anyone. Since I've been married my DH and I moved 2 times to different states and I am not an outgoing person by nature so it is really hard to make friends. Plus, I was pregnant the first move and had 2 kids close together with zero friend/family support (I don't have my parents anymore and my other relatives are elderly and could not travel). so I felt really isolated. I just recently moved again and also had another baby 2 weeks ago and I am thrilled to have him (plus my now 3 and 5 year old kids) once again I have zero friend/family support and feel really really isolated and overwhelmed. I have no one to talk to and get pretty lonely sometimes. DH is a great help but he works massive hours so that I can be with the kids and we don't have to put them in daycare.

anyway, I don't have any advice, I just wanted to chime in and tell you that you are not alone and it is totally normal to be feeling what you are feeling. Unfortunately I don't have a solution (wish I had one for myself too :) ) but hang in there and post here when you need to.
 
My husband had polycystic kidney disease so I'm really up on some kidney problems.

It's not unusual for a person wtith decreased kidney function to be depressed due to the lack of hormones that the kidney's produce when working at 100%. This can effect brain chemistry and make you feel depressed.
I'd ask your DR about an antidepressant it was the only thing that worked for my hubby. Therapy didn't help because emotional issues were not the problem it was biochemical. He was a new person the antidepressant.

Edith
 
Hi Sherry
I second what Amynicole said. I would be depressed too, even without brain chemistry upset. I hope yours is temporary.

Another person to talk to, in addition to therapists is to pray directly to God. (Jesus is called the Wonderful Counselor in the Bible).

When everything is going great we can forget how dependent we are on our creator. Even though a lot of people do not believe in God (the one with the Son), He is worth checking out, IMO.

My thoughts are with you today and I hope you can get some improvement in your kidney health. Maybe antidepressants will help. Do they affect liver/kidney function at all? Please keep us posted on how you're doing.

-Connie
 
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