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How do you cope with loss of independence when symptoms become overwhelming. I'm doing way less and I'm so depressed having to depend on others todo what was once simple.
Answer Summary
Members opened up about navigating depression and loss of independence when chronic illness symptoms become overwhelming, with many sharing... Read more
Yes, I think finding a good therapist helps. Not a good psychiatrist, mind you, but a good therapist. I also meditate and do "tapping", a form of physical and psychological pain release introduced to me by two therapists. One is Dr. Caroline Sakai, who I currently see, and she's written a book about it. It sounds corny but it has really helped.
Finding my creative soul has also helped a lot. For me it's been fiction writing, for my sister, it's sewing and knitting. It helps me feel productive and engaged. But I do still get depressed, who wouldn't!! I take cymbalta and wellbutrin, and I think they have helped buoy me, too. If you have really dark days, call a hotline. They have helped me several times. Good luck and take care.
Depression took me to the scariest place in the world and I didn't want to live. Now that I have worked past it (and it took counseling, meds, support, and prayer) I can't wait for each new day; even knowing that the next day may be painful, or I spend it sleeping, or whatever, I know there will be good ones. I've found my 'new normal'; while I used to be extremely independent, I no longer am afraid to ask for help or delegate. I usually try to do things for myself before asking, just so I don't become lackadaisical about my own strengths and abilities. We all have them, just need to find out what they are. Wishing you ALL the best. Let me know if I can help in any, any, any way! Lotsa hugs!--J
Find a good therapist. I know, I know. But my therapist has really helped me. She doesn't know exactly what I feel all the time. She can't she's never had to deal with chronic debilitating pain. But she tries.
And she gives me a safe place to talk about how I feel and my frustrations with my fibro. It helps to hear from a trained professional once a week that I'm ok doing what I'm doing or not doing. She doesn't lie to me and helps me see things that I just can't. She also understands that one of the things fibro can cause is depression. So she's helped me to differentiate between fibro depression and when I'm depressed because of the changes in my life due to my fibro.
I don't know which symptom(s) are worse. I guess whatever you are feeling at any given time seems to be the one 'driving the bus', so to speak. For you, right now, it sounds like it's depression. Understood! You feel like you are losing yourself, and we've all been there. I want to tell you that you are still you! You are just in the process of becoming a new you with a new normal. The saying 'I have fibromyalgia but it doesn't have me' goes for all the individual symptoms, too. Don't let depression have you! I did and I am here to tell you that by the grace of God I made it through and now look forward to each new day, even tho' I know some are not going to be pleasant. Besides seeking the help of a counselor and perhaps some anti-depressant med or natural treatment, try meditation, yoga, journaling, and if and when you can, choose one small do-able task (something pleasant) to do each day. If you aren't up to it, move it to the next day, but don't allow yourself to procrastinate on things that you enjoy. Of all the things you deserve, JOY should be one each day! Have a cup of tea with a friend, even if your friend is on the other end of the phone with her own tea! Soak in a warm/hot bath or shower for as long as you want. Pamper yourself! Be unapologetic for how you feel and eliminate the word 'guilt' from your vocabulary and thoughts! I like to write down some of my favorite quotes or Scriptures and post them around where I can see them and be encouraged. And remember that someone, myself and the rest of us are here for you! You are not alone! We will do all we can to help each other. I cannot express my gratitude for MFT--my new friends who understand and support without judging. Sending lots and lots of hugs!--J
@A MyFibroTeam Member thank you so much . Thank you all of you..@ANnimmo @A MyFibroTeam Member @A MyFibroTeam Member thank you @A MyFibroTeam Member @A MyFibroTeam Member! I have been feeling lost, so so lost. Not too long ago, I moved from Texas to Indiana, following my heart and left a sad relationship because I was not understood. My new guy also has fibro, and other problems physically and I feel at times scared because I am afraid that there will be a time when I won't be able to do anything for myself. Am I bad for this? I'm doing all I can, and all I want is some happiness. But lately life has been dumping more than I can take plus having fibro limits me severely. People are cruel, and I am being discriminated against because I can't work, 😢😢. Like it is my fault I'm like this and they think I'm lazy. It hurts so much on top of the personal guilt I already feel. My legs and hands are worse now. I feel so hopeless. I am an artist, and that hurts to do also. I feel like I'm losing myself. I struggle so much financially and want to continue my art and even writing. I just can't feel good enough to. And it brings me into a deep depression. Piled up daily problems add to my symptoms. I feel alone...and when I try to reach out for help, I'm met with ugliness..I don't understand how people can be so mean. I am very thankful for you all and this sight. Otherwise I would be even more lost. I want to see a therapist, but at moment I have no transportation, it's difficult getting around. I'd love to tho, I think I need to talk to someone and let lots out. Thank you for your prayers! I'm tearing up lol, thank you ladies. Hugs 💓 my heart is warmed by AL of your comments, thank u,thank u,thank u! From bottom of my heart
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