Chronic pain and depression?

Someone astutely pointed out that the feedback you get on this thread is very likely non-professional (a good caveat on most internet stuff), and that you should seek qualified help. Good advice to heed; but also realize that this site houses a mostly supportive community (even the geek, unless it involves a weight problem) & you should not hesitate to reach out for support when hurting.

hmlee, Definitely get help. You may be clinically depressed and need more than just encouragement. Telling someone to look on the bright side when they are clinically depressed is like telling a person in a wheelchair to get up and run. They can't just "cheer up" no matter how hard they try and it makes them feel worse. The fact that you don't want to swim sends up a big red flag. If these feelings last for more than 2 weeks, you need to go to a doctor and be evaluated. I know chronic pain can definitely bring you down. The stresss of your injury, lack of sleep and pain tend to lower your serotonin levels in your brain which can make you feel even worse. Exercise is the best thing in the world to raise your serotonin levels and make you feel better. Is there any alternative exercise you can do? Can you go for a walk or walk in the pool? Be patient with yourself. I know it took courage to post your feelings. Hang in there and keep talking to us! ;)

Originally posted by Peter Cruise (even the geek, unless it involves a weight problem) or water aerobisizers, or walkers, or anyone who doesn't live up to standards he thinks is reasonable.

As Peter said, we are all here to lend support for one another.....Thanks for sharing this with us....We are all pulling for you hmlee....I've really enjoyed reading your life of a college swimmer blog as well.....keep your chin up and do the best you can given a bad current situation. Things usually tend to turn around again eventually.....sometimes it takes time....talk to Sam Perry about his back problems (you can send him a private message perhaps)....he went through a similar period of depression as well....Many others here have also gone through something similar....and it is always painful to endure this kind of thing but they have all pulled through o.k. in the end....Paul Smith is another example....as well as many others....Hang in there though....We are all pulling for you if that helps. Newmastersswimmer

hmlee.... being injured sucks. Hang in there; we're all cheering for you. I went through a lot of shoulder pain last year, followed by surgery this summer. Thankfully I'm on the mend, but I hated feeling put down so in a sense, I know what you're going through. Hang in there!

All the best of luck to you. I hope you find relief very soon. Pain and depression do often tend to co-occur. If you have clinical depression- you may be helped by medication for the physical symptoms (increase/decrease in appetite, energy decrease, fatigue, changes in need for sleep, agitation or lethargy etc.) I'm sure your counselor do a good evaluation of your needs. The cognitive struggles can be greatly helped with counseling. I admire that you are taking the initiative to get the help that you need.

sdswimmer is correct...Pain begets Pain... been there, done that. Started in 1977; became clear in 1981. Still dealing with it...more successfully now than b4

We must think on the brighter side. My wife and I have had a terrible few years of loses. My two brothers died the same day. My wifes father died and her neice also died the same week. My daughters husband died. My sons baby is going to have to have major surgery on his heart, to survive. But are we depressed no because we have a lot of good things happening in our lives also. I have been putting up with knee problems for three years, a new left knee, and a new right knee coming soon am I depressed - no I have too many other things to think about, sure my training has been almost non existent but guess what my plan is a new beggining on Dec 1st when I close the deal on my house that I sold. Hey I may even start working in the field of child care again. I am allways looking to the future and leave the past behind.

Originally posted by newmastersswimmer .talk to Sam Perry about his back problems (you can send him a private message perhaps)....he went through a similar period of depression as well.... A year ago now, I was bedridden with back issues. I was in bed (did not leave home except for MANY doctor/rehab/hospital visits) for 10 weeks. Had surgery #4 in December. I would be lying if I told you now that things are great, but I can't complain. It was an awful experience. The main issue, is that you feel completely vulnerable. I train hard, watch my lifestyle and always have. I am sure you have too Hmlee. I did not ask for the problem as I did nothing to bring it on. So mentally that is probably the worst. My ONLY recommendations are DON'T do surgery unless ABSOLUTELY necessary. My first operation was not, and I have paid the price ever since. Also, stay off the pain killers if you can bear it. They only make the mental anguish worse (especially Oxycontin). I literally laid in bed basically numb to the world for that time and the emotional duress exacerbated by the meds only made it worse. If you ever want to talk about it, PM me and I will give you my phone number if you'd like. After this long diatribe, my main struggles are: 1. I am not swimming nearly as fast as I was a year and a half ago. I am in the water so that is great! 2. I pray every day that the Lord will keep my back strong and I never have to experience that again. It took away time with my wife, kids, and work. They are all very important to me and I don't want to lose that time ever again. If you are experiencing similar feelings, know you are not the only one going through them and there are people that have walked in your shoes.

There are differences in being disappointed and being clinically depressed, when I lived in the north Yellowknife during the winter people suffered from cabin fever. I did not my life was too active to get it. If hmlee is depressed she should go to the doctor and not ask advise of novices.