...Go hand in hand.
I've certainly realized in the last 18 months, that when you are living with chronic pain, depression certainly takes hold a lot quicker or more often, or for a lot longer!
I feel the worse the pain gets, the worse the depression gets, mainly because the pain restricts my activities a lot...
But it's kinda ironic really, that the same anti-depressants we use for our depression are also used these days, for neurological pain. (I have Occipital Neuralgia)
But it's a pity I can't find the right med which doesn't have so many bad side-effects, and doesn't make my other medical conditions worse!
I'm sure there are many others out there suffering with chronic pain, and maybe battling depression as well...

~Jaime~

The VA calls "Chronic Pain Disorder".

Kim

Hi Jamie,

I generally just read thru the depression forum although I know I need to post here more often. Your post caught my eye. I too suffer from chronic pain and depression. I have dealt with Thoracic outlet syndrome and recently diagnosed with RSD so I too know what you mean about taking anti depressants for neuropathy as well as depression.
I find that the days I feel my worst are the days that I am most depressed and the days that my family wants to go do thing that I can no longer do can make it worse. I find myself not wanting to get out of bed some days and just crying constantly. Although I know I need to make the best of it and try to do what I can, although can be very difficult sometimes.
It is so ironic that these go hand in hand.
I just wanted to say you aren't alone... Many hugs to you

Dawn

I can relate. Well I have been in bed basically for 3 months and on a good day can do a few errands from the pain. I had severe depression/anorexia in the past so am not new to depression. I have been on anti depression meds in the past and were trying new ones for the nerve pain which have all given me bad side effects too. I guess for me I focus on the people I love and try to hold to hope things can get better. I feel as I'm loosing my mind from the pain and fear but reminding myself at this point I'm doing all I can do. Sorry not much help but I guess just saying too your not alone.