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ME/CFS Depression – What Makes It Different?

8/5/2014

7 Comments

 
Picture© 2014 TSM
Donna’s comment about depression on the 3/25/14 blog – ‘ME/CFS Double Life – Two Identities’ – got me thinking.  Her comment was, “Recently, I read somewhere that the difference between ME/CFS and depression is that
ME/CFS sufferers can list many things that they would like to do if well enough,
but those that suffer with depression cannot.”  When I recently heard someone make a dismissive comment about a ME/CFS sufferer who was depressed, adding in air quotes around the word, Donna’s comment resurfaced in my mind.

Most people understand that depression is a real disease. And if it’s prolonged, there is often a physical cause for the imbalance that triggers and sustains it. 
But what is different when we compare the diagnosis of depression  with ME/CFS and depression?  On an NIH website I found a paper titled “A Systematic Review of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome: Don't Assume It's Depression.”  Here’s the link for the full text.  The following Table was attached to the article.  I found it enlightening and worth sharing.

 

Please COMMENT on this blog or Send in your thoughts and I’ll post them with your permission. 
 You can use the Contact Form or send an email to Martha at DefeatCFS dot net.  And Guest Blogs are most welcome!

Look for a weekly posting on Tuesdays.  And consider being part of the conversation.

Be Well Again,

Martha


Table 2.
Comparison Between Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS) and Depression Across Different Studies
Picture
7 Comments
Donna
8/5/2014 04:16:19 am

That's great information, Martha!! Now, if we could just get every doctor in the country to read it!

Reply
Martha
8/5/2014 04:52:41 am

I like the way you think Donna! Let's get it started. Everyone who reads this, please send the article link and the Table 2 link to your doctor with a quick note. You never know who it may help. Thanks Donna.

Reply
Tim Boland
8/5/2014 08:01:40 am

I hesitated before writing today. When feeling depression, is that the ‘right’ time to talk about it. I have noticed on more than one occasion that generally on those days when I am feeling better, my outlook and attitude are better and I am feeling happier. Life looks brighter and more hopeful.

One of the things with CFS which is so difficult is that it lingers. If someone has a sore throat, a cold or the flu, generally for most people in generally good health, those can be difficult times but there is the sense that better health and feeling better in our bodies is coming. Flu can be miserable but it has a beginning and an end.

With CFS, as you have noted Martha, it is a cruel illness. It is the not knowing that is one aspect which is so difficult, for me counter balanced some of the time with the sense that I am healing, I am doing better.

A question, when feeling depression, what are more good ways of dealing with the feelings of discouragement and disenchantment?

Reply
Martha
8/5/2014 08:52:42 am

Great question Tim. Thanks. As I wrote in my book, my depression was one of complete and utter frustration. For the first time in my life I was not only unable to fix something, I didn't even know what it was. After my third major relapse, I was bed ridden and devastated. And I stayed there for a while - very down. But that wasn't normal for me so eventually I raised my head and decided to take control of those aspects of ME/CFS that I could control. So my personal answer to your question of a good way to deal with depression was to be proactive about this cruel illness. Did I continue to get depressed periodically? Of Course. But as you pointed out, seeing some progress was a soothing balm to my deep frustration. Thanks Tim and hang in there. Everyone is in this with you.

Reply
Tim Boland
8/10/2014 12:25:42 pm

Thank you Martha, I did something I have been meaning to do, which is reread your book, and was reminded of how difficult your illness was and how you made it through, with determination and setting the goals which you did. I slept well last night and had almost no pain this morning, and even while walking felt much better, saying hello to horses and cows here in Idaho. One cow, especially curious, seemed to think I was the most amazing thing as I walked along the road!

Donna
8/6/2014 07:59:42 pm

Tim...of course, I can't know if what you are experiencing is what I have. But, for me, I've come to realize that those are periods of emotional processing. It is necessary and okay. Knowing that it doesn't last forever and knowing that when it is over, I will be stronger, wiser and more determined is my solace.

Reply
Tim Boland
8/10/2014 12:22:52 pm

Thank you Donna for your words of encouragement, it helps to know that others have similar feelings, your words remind me of the importance of thinking longer term.

Reply

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