Yes, depression and ataxia seem to go hand in hand with some. I have been on an anti-depressant for years (initially for a different reason), and still feel "blue" at times with this. I don't ever feel clinically depressed like before, just have mini-pity parties occasionally. My theory is because it changes everything physically that one can do. I'm also thinking 24/7 on every move I make to prevent falling (been there and done that several times...,not my idea of a good time...,ha!). Therefore, I try to concentrate on what I can still do, rather then what I can't. I also try to count my blessings, as this helps keep me positive. Like I've said before, I won't give up or give in, as this is my new "normal", (I was diagnosed 10 years ago) and I'll just try to be the best I can be! I wish this for all with ataxia..., ;o)
I just recently (about 10 days ago) saw a mental health professional (GP) as I have noticed that in the last few months I have been getting very much easier to vex, frustrate and anger. As I put it; "My normally long fuse has, increasingly, been shortened" and "My temper lately has been switching from mill pond calm to absolute rage with nothing between". I told the GP how I "do not like the changes in my 'mood' or otherwise positive outlook."
The GP made an assessment of me and assured me that, although I maybe needed to 'open the box' a little to let things out rather than storing them up, it is quite normal to get angry or frustrated from time to time*. We, the GP and me, talked about how ataxia has changed my life and how the changes (over the last five years or so) have been quite huge. We discussed how other people react to me with ignorance, intolerance, misunderstanding or just plain old bigotry and agreed that, though I am by no means faultless, I should not have to put up with such behavior from others. I was given some sound advice on how to handle stress and how to avoid conflict or at least how to react to it in a better manner. The GP was happy to send me on my merry way with some basic mental exercises to help out and with no worries of depression but offered me further help if I should feel I need it and a further appointment - just to see how I am getting on.
Depression can be a horrible thing that drains a person and, sometimes, the medication for depression can 'take away' a part of a person (I have seen this in people I have known). Luckily, I have a fairly understanding group of friends, caring relatives and a GP(s) surgery that is very helpful when I need it! I also have a wonderful group of fellows on LWA. To use an oft overused saying; I would not wish (depression in this instance) on anyone - not even my worst enemy (had I one).
For any reading this and currently experiencing depression, I sincerely hope that you can get any help you may feel you need and become 'lifted from the mire' so to say.
Kindest regards,
Michael.
Stress and depression effect people in different ways. Some can be taught how to handle it in a logical way, others have gone far beyond being able to do that.
Whatever it takes to do it, stress really needs to be under control. This morning on Sky News I listened to a discussion about it. Two world class athletes, Kelly Holmes and Victoria Pendleton admitted to Self Harm due to stress and pressure. If able bodied, self disciplined people can have feelings like this, what chance for us Ataxians.
As part of our care, emotional issues need just as much attention. xB
Wow Beryl, way to think outside the box! I couldn't agree more! ;o)
I still dont get the difference between sadness (over ataxia or something else) and depression. Depression prevents a person from getting up in the morning; sadness doesnt--- that much I get. But can depression actually mimic
hard-core symptoms? Like if a person cannot walk and has ataxia,is it the ataxia or depression?
rose said:
Wow Beryl, way to think outside the box! I couldn't agree more! ;o)
'tis something that confuses a lot of people, even those that should know better!
an opinion that'll have many followers. Me included.
Beryl Park said:
Stress and depression effect people in different ways. Some can be taught how to handle it in a logical way, others have gone far beyond being able to do that.
Whatever it takes to do it, stress really needs to be under control. This morning on Sky News I listened to a discussion about it. Two world class athletes, Kelly Holmes and Victoria Pendleton admitted to Self Harm due to stress and pressure. If able bodied, self disciplined people can have feelings like this, what chance for us Ataxians.
As part of our care, emotional issues need just as much attention. xB
I like your idea/activity of finding a way round the problem Tam.I have been following your blog as it is very uplifting and cheerful.Audiobooks on Scooters sounds a good therapy.In my situation I have to use all my senses but I can bear it mind for the future.I am adapting my scooter rides so I stop frequently to let my eyes focus on nice scenes from nature.
Good luck, Marie. I have a new found appreciation of nature and just being outdoors.
Marie Turner said:
I like your idea/activity of finding a way round the problem Tam.I have been following your blog as it is very uplifting and cheerful.Audiobooks on Scooters sounds a good therapy.In my situation I have to use all my senses but I can bear it mind for the future.I am adapting my scooter rides so I stop frequently to let my eyes focus on nice scenes from nature.
One step forward, two back. Sounds familiar.
Deo's Page said:
Thank you everyone for your comments. I wrote about unanswered questions, uncertainty and confusion that can affect us psychologically. Here is another example. I had an appointment with my Eye Specialist a few days ago. They made all the different tests available including the ishihara test for colour vision. I failed the Ishihara test on the second page which means that I am colour blind. When I met the Consultant I explained to her all the problems that I am having including my night blindness and colour blindness. I was expecting her to be sympathetic and tell me that those are normal symptoms for some people who suffer from ataxia. On the contrary she did not seem to believe me. I asked her why my night vision and colour vision is getting worst. She said some people's night vision get worse with age and that I probably suffered from colour vision since childhood. Unfortunately I could not swear..and I never do. For God's sake its my life and my vision. I know better what I can or cannot see. I never suffered from colour vision until my ataxia started. I am an artist and my first job was as an art teacher. I have always had a good vision at night. Everything went wrong with my ataxia. I even have problems with my day vision and my optician had to put a yellow tint in my glasses to help me. All those little things get you more confused and you finally become more depressed.