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        New Message Board Archives >> 2005 Cluster Headache Specific Posts >> Depression and CH
        
(Message started by: JBC on Jan 9^th, 2005, 10:49pm)

Title: Depression and CH
Post by JBC on Jan 9^th, 2005, 10:49pm

Here is my story in brief:
I am a very well-educated man with CH. I have extremely talented doctors caring for me. My father is a neurologist, my sister is a neurologist, and I have a neurologist that I see who is a specialist in headache.

I get attacks at UN-regular intervals (but almost always in the wee hours). I have proper medication to reduce the frequency and severity of the attacks. I feel blessed that I have access to almost free oxygen and occasionally free Imitrex. I am very blessed that I have the support of my loving wife, Ilana. (There is little she can do for me during an attack, but knowing she is there in the bed next to me is what I need). My wife wants me to try everything that is available to try to rid my life of this curse called CH. My wife disapporoves of the LSD and psylocybin treatment, and she told me why.

I still get occasionally depressed despite the great care and familial support I receive. I would like to know what others do if they get depressed from their CH attacks. (I want to make it clear that I am not depressed as in suicidal. I am depressed becuase when I hurt, I REALLY hurt, and I do not want to become physically or chemically dependent on drugs.) Any comments are welcome.

Title: Re: Depression and CH
Post by nani on Jan 9^th, 2005, 10:54pm

Hi JBC...antidepressants have literally saved my ass a number of times. I would likely suffer from clinical depression whether I had CH or not, but being a chronic CH adds to it. Feeling down is one thing...clinical depression (which is treatable) can be diagnosed. I encourage you to talk to your doctor about it. Pain free wishes to you.

Title: Re: Depression and CH
Post by JBC on Jan 9^th, 2005, 10:55pm

I was tested by a psychologist for clinical depression, and I do not have it.

I feel down about the pain, but I am not clinically depressed.

Title: Re: Depression and CH
Post by Renee on Jan 9^th, 2005, 11:01pm

Hello JBC,

When my depression from the pain gets to the point as it was yesterday I come here. I read of other's struggles and share my own. When I'm not in pain I come here to offer words of encouragement for those who are.

Just knowing that I'm not alone in this debilitating pain is very comforting. Having the support of fellow clusterbuds has most likely saved many here...including myself.

Other than coming here I pretty much shut out the rest of the world when I'm in pain and depressed.

There are many different personalities here but all with one common pain and one common goal.

Share your feelings....I think it will help as it has others.

Have you ever met another cluster sufferer?

Wishing you pf days and nights,
Renee

Title: Re: Depression and CH
Post by JBC on Jan 9^th, 2005, 11:11pm

on 01/09/05 at 23:01:31, Renee wrote:

Hello JBC,

.

Have you ever met another cluster sufferer?

Yes. I was at Nashville 2004. I met lots of sufferers. Some are worse off than me, others are not as bad as me.

Title: Re: Depression and CH
Post by Sean_C on Jan 10^th, 2005, 6:26pm

on 01/09/05 at 22:49:01, JBC wrote:

My wife disapporoves of the LSD and psylocybin treatment, and she told me why.

Research this option and decide for yourself. This has helped many here, and may work for you.

Good luck

Sean...................................

Title: Re: Depression and CH
Post by Bob_Johnson on Jan 10^th, 2005, 7:59pm

Your comment about being evaluated and found to not be depressed and Renee's observation are the key: too many folks use the word "depression" to describe a normal sadness, low mood which is time limited, which lifts in short order when the clusters stop, and which, likely does not continue when something pleasant is happening in your life.

True depression, which does respond well to good counseling and medication, has an enduring quality to it. It does not lift when the clusters have stopped.

This is not a simple condition to diagnose but, clearly, is not a problem to take lightly since the long term consequences are significant.

Title: Re: Depression and CH
Post by vig on Jan 10^th, 2005, 8:19pm

My wife disapporoves of the LSD and psylocybin treatment, and she told me why.

I'd like to know why.
Does it outweigh the suffering?

Title: Re: Depression and CH
Post by Kris_in_SJ on Jan 10^th, 2005, 8:21pm

Personally, I think it's absolutely normal to feel a sadness or "depression" when you're suffering from an ailment or disease that has no known "cure." Hell, it doesn't even have a proven, known cause.

I'm similar to Renee. I find a great deal of solace in helping and talking to others with the same condition. I find a certain relief from my sadness here on the board - get a few good chuckles every once in awhile also.

You're fortunate to have a strong supporter and an excellent medical team behind you, but it's still normal to feel somewhat depressed. Maybe you should give antidepressants a try - you don't need to be in a clinically depressive state for them to give you some relief.

Wishing you the best,

Kris

Title: Re: Depression and CH
Post by JBC on Jan 10^th, 2005, 8:30pm

True, when the pain goes away, I am a content person. I realize it is normal to feel depressed while in pain.

As for why my wife disapproves of the LSD and mushroom treatment ... here is why:
1. LSD and mushrooms are illegal
2. I more than likely cannot handle a "trip" on a hallucinagen.
3. My wife is not willing to be my guardian while tripping.
4. The responsibility is too high, considering the fact that I have never taken these drugs and I do not know how my mind or body will handle them.

I hope these reasons are enough.

I must honor my wife's wishes, as they are not too unreasonable. After all, I get great releif from Imitrex, which is a miricle in itslef.

Jason

Title: Re: Depression and CH
Post by LeLimey on Jan 10^th, 2005, 8:42pm

JBC your reasons are fine! don't worry, its not compulsory. hopefully one day it won't be illegal and it will be a treatment that is acceptable and readily available. alot of people can't use them because of random drug tests for instance. I have small children so for me that is another issue but I am following the discussions with great interest. I hope you get a speedy end to your cycle
regards
Helen

Title: Re: Depression and CH
Post by vig on Jan 10^th, 2005, 9:55pm

1. LSD and mushrooms are illegal
True, but having clusters is worse. You can always leave the country while taking them. Some people do
2. I more than likely cannot handle a "trip" on a hallucinagen.
Probably not true, the doses are very small. I've never hallucinated.
3. My wife is not willing to be my guardian while tripping.
You probably don't need a guardian
4. The responsibility is too high, considering the fact that I have never taken these drugs and I do not know how my mind or body will handle them.
You can learn. I assume from your writing that your mind is sharp and strong. If you've taken any of the classic CH medicines, you've already taken things FAR stronger than this.

Ultimately, I find it very cool that you will respect your wife's wishes. I also believe that she would do anything she could to help you find your way out of cluster hell. Perhaps if she knew more and talked to some of us.