Hi all...I'm new to the site and to my cluster diagnosis.  I'll take time to introduce myself properly later...but for now, have many of you experienced severe depression after finally getting over an episode?  It's been 6 months and now that it's gone I just don't even want to get out of bed and I cry every day.  Normal?  :-[

I wouldn't say that your experience is common with respect to the lasting depression, but various levels of depression are extremely common among sufferers. As could be expected. As to the chemical ties to that, with Seratonin levels and such I'll let someone else discuss.

From my own experience, I have had episodes of depression associated with my CH. Sometimes just before a cycle, sometimes at the start of a cycle, and yes, of course, during. I'm usually so relieved that it is over that I don't spend much time with the blues - but that has come from years experience of anticipating all that I'm going to do once the damn cycle is done.

[quote author=447F7574634579744370757063110 link=1227629516/0#0 date=1227629516]Hi all...I'm new to the site and to my cluster diagnosis.  I'll take time to introduce myself properly later...but for now, have many of you experienced severe depression after finally getting over an episode?  It's been 6 months and now that it's gone I just don't even want to get out of bed and I cry every day.  Normal?  :-[/quote]

Nice to meet you and welcome to CH.com...

Yes... I'm chronic and I suffer from depression often. I suffered from depression prior to developing CH as well.

Stick around and get to know the nice folks here.

with warm regards,
Tony

Welcome to clusterville.  Please do take some time to introduce yourself.  We'd like to get to know you.

I get down when I feel a cycle coming on and certainly during my cycle but not after.  Like Scott said, I'm just so glad it's over.

You are no longer alone with this.

I hope you are seeing a Doctor for the depression.  It's ok to reach out for help.  Clusters take a huge toll and a message board can only do so much.  

-Dennis-

Mine tends to hit after a high cycle.....never have understood that. I should be jumping for joy.

B

I'm pretty much depressed during the entire cycle.

I attribute most of it to exhaustion due to minimal amounts of sleep.

That being said, I think I was more depressed when I last checked my 401K.

                                       PFD's On Ya
                                             JPC

I'm a chronic CHer.  I'm always depressed when the hits are bad.

Wishing you well,

Ray

Hi! Warm welcome to clusterville!

I'm familiar with depression as well; I call it as "clusterblues", as the two seem to come together at times. Hardest one came right after my chronic phase changed into remission and episodic form.

If you need to talk, vent, ask, comment... this is the place to be. Here's always someone ready to help and reply, 24/7. And as you can see - you are not alone! :)

Welcome to ch family. :)

PF days your way,
Sanna

I suffer from depression and have anxiety issues when I shadow.  The problem I have had fighting off depression is that Wellbutrin (and others) seem to be a trigger for a cycle for me.

Whatever you do, try and see a doctor for it as well.

Ask questions, talk and read as much as you can on both CH and depression.  

All of us have probably posted a "Is this typical" post on here and usually you find some people who have been through it.  Keep asking questions and let us know what is working or nto for you.

[quote author=1A212B2A3D1B272A1D2E2B2E3D4F0 link=1227629516/0#0 date=1227629516]Hi all...I'm new to the site and to my cluster diagnosis.  I'll take time to introduce myself properly later...but for now, have many of you experienced severe depression after finally getting over an episode?  It's been 6 months and now that it's gone I just don't even want to get out of bed and I cry every day.  Normal?  :-[/quote]

A lot of us are depressed at one point or another when in a cycle. Some take anti-depressants, to help with the depression, or to help fight the beast.

What meds are you taking now? What meds were you taking while you were in cycle?

Welcome to the board, and keep asking questions. There is a lot of info to be had here, read, read, read, and let us know how we can help!

Chris

UnderTheRadar wrote on Nov 25^th, 2008 at 11:11am:

It's been 6 months and now that it's gone I just don't even want to get out of bed and I cry every day.  Normal?

Lingering as such this distanced from an event can give it a more tenuous alliance with clusters alone, a consultation could be an idea.

Your last sentence defines a significiant clinical depression which needs professional care. This is not a simple case of post-CH blues.

Thanks for all the warm wishes...it's made all the difference today...I finally got in there and wrote an introduction; I've tried all kinds of stuff over the past few months, with nothing working except my adderall (and clusterbusters);  yes, I am seeing a therapist, and it helps to just know I'm not alone!!  thanks everybody!
-Paige :)

Hi there...

I am also chronic and suffer from depression... always been a problem since the headaches first started.

It seems that the worse the hits, the worse the depression and there are times when the hits come back to back and I just break down completely when one ends. That seems to make it harder as I get worn out and wonder what the point is in fighting them because they will just keep coming. Those are tough times.

I also have learned, especially recently, that the more I focus on what they have taken away from me and what I have been through, the worse I feel. I guess that that makes sense but it is hard to not get into that state of mind. I did the cluster survey and that was hard.. I cannot really explain why though.

I am sorry that you are having a rough time, if it continues than you might talk to your doctor. I have been put on two anti-depressants both for the depression and doctors thought that they might help the headaches as well. They do help my mood, my husband notices when I miss two doses!

Again, sorry that you have to deal with this but I am glad that your cycle has ended.  :)

Jill