Has anyone else had problems with being sick as a result of depression?

I am the sickest person in the world. I don't know if it is b/c I'm too run down to get better (if that makes sense) or if it is all mental.

I'm leaning towards the "its all in my head" explanation. Since I've started meds I haven't been as sick. I think when I am depressed I turn into a hypochondriac (sp?). It makes it easier to be depressed, stay in bed, and not have to deal with anyone or anything when you have an excuse like being sick.

Any thoughts?

What kind of sickness are you talking about? Like you got the flu, or you get colds, or just feel bad.

everything!

Catching any bug that around, getting headaches, upset stomachs...

You might be on to something there...I get just about everything that comes around as well.

Hello,

In my experience my immune system is a little run down when I have bad depression, so yes I agree with what you are saying, when strugling with depression it is quite possible that you may get sick... In any event, take good care of yourself.. maybe some vitamins of some sort.. maybe talk to your doctor...

Sorry to hear that, but I know what you mean. I actually get sick a lot less than my nondepressed sister, but I feel bad most of the time anyway. Have you been checked for thyroid, autoimmune problems (lupus)?

I just have no energy. What would be no big deal to most people (running a few errands, being alone with my kids for a few hours w/out help from my husband) absolutely wears me out.

Is it possible for you to schedule down time for yourself, give yourself permission to do nothing? I feel guilty for being depressed and then expect too much out of myself to make up for it. Vicious cycle.

Take vitamins (as someone said) and wash your hands frequently. Can't hurt!

[This message has been edited by rivergirl301 (edited 03-25-2003).]

Headaches, colds, backaches, neck pain

All minor pain and inconvenience

I am not sure if it is directly caused by depression, but I do not think so.

Still even a little pain coupled with depression is enough to push you over the edge.
It makes it much harder to concentrate. Makes you feel much more emotional, easier to cry.

Sickness and depression seem to feed on one another?

The only good might be that sometimes I am not as hard on myself when I am sick.
And give myself a “break”

Real sickness is more legitimate then depression. Even in my mind.
Society has put that notion deep in there… even thought I know better.

ffsmith: I think it's like anything else people prone to depression find themselves struggling with; if you felt great, the little things wouldn't get you down. If you're on the edge to begin with, it doesn't take much to push you over.

I also think there is a lot--which came first, the chicken or the egg? I was ill for 2 years with what I can still only say was chronic fatigue syndrome. I definitely had altered lab values in my med tests--my white count was sky high, my ANA was elevated (an indication of an autoimmune disorder), but no one could figure out what that meant. My mother-in-law flat out said, "Well, you don't *look* sick to me," and she didn't want to hear any more about it. Not being allowed to be sick, not being taken seriously, not being able to find a doctor who can help you, all that can drive you into a pretty deep depression!