More About Depression and Illness

Suffering A Stroke And Feeling Hopeless

Getting severely depressed after having a stroke is not unusual. When my mother had her first massive stroke and I went to the hospital, tears were flowing down her face and she kept telling me, ‘I don’t want to live’. My mother was always a very proud, independent woman.  She did not want to depend on anyone. She was depressed and very angry.  Nurses did not want to come into her room because she would not play the game and act grateful because she was unhappy. No one discussed depression with me, not her doctor, not her neurologist.  But I knew how bad it was. The depression had to be treated if my mother would ever get rehabilitated.

People who have a stroke need very much attention and love. They feel helpless and hopeless.  Recently a neighbor of mine had a stroke and when I went to the hospital, she too was crying and so sad. She is a widow who prides herself on being independent at age 86. The problem with her situation is that she was depressed for at least a year prior to the stroke since her husband had died. When the stroke hit her it was double trouble.

Treatment for depression can shorten the rehab process, lead to quicker recovery, and save health care costs.  It makes so much sense that it’s hard to believe that doctors don’t seem interested in explaining this to family members right up front. Depression is something that stroke victims deal with a large majority of the time. Even though stroke is a disease of the brain, it can affect the entire body. Some of the disabilities that can result from a stroke include paralysis, thinking problems, speech problems, emotional difficulties, fatigue, and daily living problems. Many people require psychological help after a stroke. Depression, anxiety, frustration and anger are common in stroke victims. It depends on the person and what his or her life has been like so far. If you know someone who has had a stroke, you know recovery is a slow and long lasting process.

If you or your loved one has a stroke, be prepared for damage to that person’s self image and self esteem.  It is very common for stroke victims to feel they have no future.  Make sure that anti depressants are part of the program for anyone you care about who has a stroke. Insist that the doctor find the right combination of meds. Maybe it will take some time but you and your loved ones are worth it. Depression can be treated in addition to whatever other illnesses a person might have, including stroke. If you think you may be depressed or know someone who is, don’t lose hope. Seek help

Depression and Parkinson’s Disease

It is very sad to know that at least half the people with this disease experience depression. First they are the victim of one horrible disease, and then they suffer from depression. The person who has it, their families, friends, and doctors so often misinterpret the warning signs of depression and just think it is part of the other disease.  Men in particular do not want to say that they are depressed as a result of this illness.

Symptoms of these two illnesses tend to overlap each other. Not enough research has been done on relationship between these two illnesses. People with depression who have Parkinson’s disease have a different symptom group than those without Parkinson’s. The Parkinson’s profile includes higher rates of anxiety and sadness without guilt or self-blame.

Parkinson’s disease is a chronic and progressive disorder of the brain. It affects the motor system, but also thinking and emotion. It results from the loss of brain cells that control movement. The four primary symptoms of Parkinson’s are:  trembling in hands, arms, legs, jaw, and face; stiffness of arms and legs, slowness of movement, and poor balance and coordination. Plus it causes difficulty walking and talking.

Anything which can help these victims and lift their sprits is needed ASAP. Antidepressants can be extremely helpful for anyone dealing with Parkinson’s. Treating depression can help anyone feel better about and cope better with their illness.  Doctors of Parkinson’s patients need to devote the time and energy to finding the right prescription and right dosage. Be sure you insist that the doctor is “on it” and the help is given. As usual, the squeaky wheel gets the grease. Don’t hesitate to demand the care you need.

Depression can and should be treated when it co-occurs with other illnesses. Untreated depression can delay recovery from it or worsen the outcome. If you or someone you love has Parkinson’s disease, don’t give up and don’t lose hope. Depression is a treatable disorder of the brain. Depression can be treated in addition to Parkinson’s. Get the help you need, even if you have to demand it.

About the Author

Learn about depression in teens and pregnancy depression at the Depression Facts Online site.

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