Re: depression and ear ringing

[Guest guest]

,

I believe the pattern that occurs with these illnesses is that a

combination of the pain and lack of sleep depletes the serotonin levels

in the brain, which regulates mood, setting you up for depression. I'm

generally a very upbeat person but I know I've had plenty of very

depressed moments since getting RA. There's times when I feel like

someone who's 9 months pregnant watching Hallmark commercials -- you

can't stop crying no matter how hard you try. You should discuss how

bad it is with your doctor because some people do need medication to

control the depression. For myself, just knowing that it's a part of

the illness and something that generally passes with the flare (or herx)

helps me to get through it. I try to get more rest, watch comedies and

just try to do something nice for myself, like having a special cup of

herbal tea. I also find it's helpful to reach out to other people when

you're feeling down, which usually feels like the last thing you want to

do but it does help to talk to someone or be around other people. Hope

you start feeling better soon.

Hugs,

a Peden

Patten wrote:

> I read with interest in the Arthritis Breakthrough book that Dr.Brown said

> that depression is a physical symptom of this disease, not just a

> psychological response to what's happening or one's bodily dis-use. I was

> curious how many people noticed this in their own lives--a low level of

> depression, maybe even before the outbreak of the physical symptoms? I

> certainly have felt very down, even more so, since beginning the AP in

> September and I wondered if it was part of the herx...

[Guest guest]

Hi ,

I am a very optimistic person, but found my self with clinical depression when

I was in the greatest pain. Which happened when experiencing a severe flare.

My doctor told me pain causes your blood pressure to go up and depression. He

prescribed anti-depressants and told me it would raise my threshold for the

pain too. I would think that experiencing a herx reaction could cause one to

get depressed. It would be interesting to know exactly what the mechanics of

how pain affects mood in the brain.

Theresa Barno Alaska

RA 10 years and AP for 13 months

" When you reach the end of your rope, tie a knot and hang on,

because you are on next on God's list. "

Patten wrote:

> From: " Patten " <leslie@...>

>

> I read with interest in the Arthritis Breakthrough book that Dr.Brown said

> that depression is a physical symptom of this disease, not just a

> psychological response to what's happening or one's bodily dis-use. I was

> curious how many people noticed this in their own lives--a low level of

> depression, maybe even before the outbreak of the physical symptoms? I

> certainly have felt very down, even more so, since beginning the AP in

> September and I wondered if it was part of the herx. I have always simply

> assumed it was just the dealing with day to day pain and chronic

> disability--that I'm sure plays into it, but it sounds like it is also a

> physical disease response that comes and goes.

> Also, I occassionally wake during the night with ear noise since starting

> the AP. I assume that's a drug related side effect. Anyone know?

> For what's it's worth, I really appreciate this list and find it extremely

> supportive, helpful, and useful. I don't think issues about homelessness

> are appropriate here, or other political or unrelated issues. There are

> chat lists for those issues. I'm not offended, just disinterested in

> people's opinions about it, so I skip over it.

> Humor, on the other hand, is always welcome; as long as we remember the

> purpose of this list.

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

Barbara--I love it--tenderflower! What a great description for those rotten

days!!

Thanks--Patti