ME/CFS And Depression, Does Anyone Have Advice?

Hi Kathy,

I'm sad to hear that you have had depression for so long with ME, that's a burdon no one would want.

I know everone's ME is different and manifests in different ways...

And I know this is seriously left field and not really what you would want to hear... 

And I apologise in advance for this...

But, after having ME for 11 years and maintaining a fairly normal weight, about 5 years ago, I started to "have to eat a high calorie diet"...  Always high calorie, fast burning foods... If I made any attempt to diet, my ME would plundge and I'd be bedridden for ages...  This went on for 4 years and I went fron a size 14/16 (uk) to a size 32 and just could not stop eating and maintain any sort of quality of life.

Just over a year ago I had a bad case of diarrhoea, which was, excuse the graficness, like water, whithin which I saw something strange, 2 unmistakably white segments joined together.  I googled it and to my horror, it was plainly tapeworm segments! I saw the doctor and was given some medicine. Just some over the counter worm treatment ( but 4 doses instead of 1 as they are pernicious beasts!)... ( shocking that I had not seen anything at all before that...)

And I haven't looked back.

I had developed a barrel like belly which within 3 days became a pear shape (still working on that!), I lost half a stone in 3-4 days and started a whole new stage of my life...  I have now lost 4 stone more and am able to excersise without relaspe.

I had gotten in the pre diabetic spectrum and even hit the diabetic end of that but as soon as I had got rid of the tapeworm I was able to follow a low GI diet and I now don't even need to be checked for diabetes anymore as my blood sugar is fine.  Now I am cycling and swimming in the sea and not needing to top up with calories!

It's been so great for me and when I read your post, I wondered if there was any kind of possiblity that you might have something like that, it would be worth letting you know.

I know it is a very uncomfortable subject but if there is any question in your mind, I would advise you to talk to your doctor about it, although, they often only associate parasites with being thin, it is in fact true that 10% of people become obese.

It is not a shameful thing, I think that I got mine from eating sushi, which I love....  Not any more!

I haven't been deppressed with my ME so I can't say anything about that or if that fits in with what I have been saying but if anything can help you at all, that would be a great thing.

Best of luck to you. x

 

Kathy--Depression and anxiety are very common with this illness. Here's what helped me hugely with both. Google "Palouse mindfulness." You'll find a 6-week, free, totally secular, meditation/mindfulness course. It's sponsored by the University of Massachusetts Medical Center, and was set up by Jon Kabat-Zinn, who's very well respected here in the states. The course includes readings and guided meditations.

A lot of people with M.E. can end up getting depressed due to the frustration of not being able to do much. If your high calorie diet includes a lot of sugary foods,  chocolate or carbs you will just get a temporary boost in you mood and energy levels then they will drop rapidly and you will feel even worse than before so will crave another sweet fix to boost you, then crash again, etc. The thing you think is helping would actually make you feel worse. It's so easy to reach for a quick fix when you are feeling down (I've done it myself sometimes) but it's not the answer. When I was first ill used to do this as didn't think I had the energy to cook anything but diet really is important for your energy levels. Even something like a plate of homemade soup is filling and has lots of goodness and has less calories. I find sweet potatoes really good for giving me a boost and they can satisfy a sweet tooth. You could try writing down everything you eat and drink for a week and how you feel after you've had them and you might see a pattern developing. You could maybe try and replace one bad food with a good one every week. I had counselling and CBT for depression and M.E. at one point and found it really helpful. You can often get free CBT or counselling on the NHS. Fresh air can lift your mood too. Even if you can't walk far you could maybe sit outside on a nice day. Walking helps lift my mood. You could maybe try some hobbies at home. Is there anything you used to enjoy when you were young that you could maybe take up again? It's so easy to feel stuck in a rut especially when you are exhausted but there are things you could try which might help. If you don't feel happy just now there is no harm in trying something new. You could try writing down what you are not happy about and possible solutions you could work towards taking very small steps at a time. Good luck!!

Hi you are not alone. I could have written your post myself word for word. I just can't believe how similar all my symptoms are with people on this site. We are all going through something real that is pretty devastating and life changing. It grieves me that our loved ones who should be there for us at this time prefer to label it laziness. Is it lazy to literally grieve over the loss of energy and ability and fullness of a life that you had before and be physically unable to change things. I too am getting depressed by my body letting me down. I'm seeing someone in a cfs team in hospital about the mind body connection and hoping to improve things.

I second all of the other advice and think there is something in the parasites theory. Also stabilising blood sugar. Also gluten free helps me and less sugar....but sadly I'm finding it'snot a cure....so far ...aalthough I live in hope. I have to. Good luck!

I have been dogged with CF for years and have tried many treatments and seen a diverse array of specialists. In my case the CF seems to an effect of pulmonary sarcoidosis. I understand how frustrating this condition can be. 

The only treatment that works for me is Ritalin. Fortunately, it works very well at a minimum dose. I have taken the drug for nearly a month now and feel terrific. So having been through it all, I would recommend that you try Ritalin for your self under medical supervision.