Relapse with depression/anxiety
 

Hey everyone....haven't been around lately as I have been struggling the last month or so with some setbacks. I have a few physical non-pcs chronic health issues that have flared up, and last month I bumped my head which seemed to trigger the anxiety. I am also still trying to get the nausea under control!

I am coming up on my year "anniversary" of my concussion and have definitely felt worsening depression. Although I have some meds that have helped with the nerve and muscle pain, the antidepressant (celexa) wasn't enough at 20 mg but side effect to much at 40mg.


I am almost scared of trying new meds now because many of the effects mimic PCS!! I am in therapy weekly with an excellent therapist.

What has worked for you all in times of a major setback? I am open to suggestions as I am tired of feeling so crummy :(

Thank you!

Nolefan...I too feel exactly like you. I'm not taking meds anymore --just the occasional ambien to sleep. The one thing I noticed is that I can do a little more now than I could a while back.

Can you remember back 6 months ago (say take a particular outing) write down how you felt during and after. See if you notice any improvements. Then 3 months ago. And just last month too.

I know for myself that at the beginning of the summer I had to go lay down for 20 mins to an hour on my deck just after making breakfast for the kids. It was awful. Now I'm out and about for a little bit...doing wash in the morning etc.

I May I watched my friend's puppy while they went on vacation -- it took everything out of me. Right now I have my sister's puppy and I'm really enjoying her.

Last fall and spring I went to a baseball game and lasted 20 mins and had to come home. Now I can go, don't feel well, but I get thru it.

These things are all encouraging. My husband keeps reminding me of them ... I break down and cry because I want to be 100% but 60% for now has to do.

I am always looking for other things that can be the reason for my head/neck pain...as I don't feel its so brain related since I don't have a cognitive issue. I can remember everything, no wordfinding issues, no verbal problems, etc. I just feel like crap all the time, get off balance after i've overdone it, my head hurts all the time, etc. I can't go shopping for long, but when I make the quick attempt I don't suffer the way I used to.

I know its so hard to see the positive in this crappy situation, but you are getting better...slowly -- there maybe setback days, but keep your head up (wow..can't believe I'm typing these words -- I should really take my own advice ...well this is really my husband's advice but I know he's right)

We will all get there...stay strong.

You can private message me if you need to talk and don't want to post to everyone.

Thanks wtrpk for your support and encouragement :)

I am sorry to hear about the setbacks, but that seems to go along with the PCS....

The last time that I had a terrible flare-up of my horrible headaches I decided to go for acupuncture. The acupuncturist that I am seeing is very skilled, and he also has me taking Chinese herbs.

I believe that it is helping. I certainly feel better when I have the acupuncture. It also makes you very relaxed. I can't say that I will not have setbacks, but I am more hopeful.

I have also started to do mindful meditation. I can't remember whether it was on this website or somewhere else, but someone recommended the book, "The Mindful Way Through Depression". It comes with a CD that has some guided meditations, and there is an 8-week program to follow.

I have only been doing it for two weeks, but I highly recommend giving it a try. The authors explain that we can't think our way out of our moods. Mindful meditation is a way to retrain our minds and help us be more present in the moment. It's really difficult for me to explain, but if you give it a try, I don't think you will be disappointed.

I can't even take low-dose anti-depressants to prevent headaches. I've been tried on several at the lowest possible dose, and they all have made me nauseous.

What are you doing for the nausea? There is medication for that. You could also try making ginger tea. I have been walking around with a bottle of sparkling mineral water (seltzer) since my accident.

Let us know how you are doing.

I am very tired tonight, so I don't know if this is all making sense, but I did want to respond to your post.

ShellyK

Thanks ShelleyK, I appreciate your input :)