For those with #MECFS, do you find yourself struggling with #Depression and/or #Anxiety since becoming ill, especially if it seems different from depression and/or anxiety that you experienced prior to becoming ill? If so, how are you managing your depression/anxiety? Have medications helped? Are you using non-medication approaches that work? @mecfs
@mecfs For about a year, depression and anxiety have been tough for me. I’ve tried medications, and had to stop each one due to side effects. Medications were not very effective prior to #MECFS but fewer side effects. I wish I knew why I can’t seem to get relief and I wonder if it’s a symptom of #MECFS, if maybe it’s because fatigue makes it harder to emotionally regulate, or maybe it’s due to neuroinflammation. Maybe it’s a form of #AutisticBurnout? #ActuallyAutistic@actuallyautistic
@mecfs@actuallyautistic I work hard to integrate self-care like mindfulness, meditation, self-compassion, creative expression, social interaction (limited, but online support groups & staying in touch with friends helps), therapy, gratitude, focusing on little joys, but I am not seeing these things change my mental health as much as I’d expect. I’m getting concerned about myself, frankly. Not sure what to try. Thanks for any help.
@ImmedicableME@mecfs@actuallyautistic I don't have MECFS, so I'm not sure my experience would help. But there were 2 times when I was severely depressed, took meds, hated the side effects & stopped taking them. Looking back, the cause of my depression was 100% situational. When the situation changed, my self-care/healing efforts had a bigger impact. All this to say, even though you don't think all the self-care is working well, it may be, but the impact of your situation is more oppressive.
@ImmedicableME@mecfs@actuallyautistic And maybe because the situation is what it is, my wish is that you at the very least not feel bad about feeling bad. Feeling bad about a crummy situation is normal, healthy and important. I wish I could give you a book of coupons for "5 minute reprieves from depression", just so you could get breaks from it until the situation changes.
@flowerpot@mecfs@actuallyautistic This hit hard, which is probably my sign that it’s accurate. Feeling bad about feeling bad is definitely a trap for me, and it could make a difference to work on reframing my thoughts about this. Back to self-compassion and self-acceptance—which might be the core issue. Maybe I’ll create some 5 minute reprieve coupons and put them where I’ll see them throughout the day. My partner would probably love to be able to hand me one when I spiral. Thank you.