So, this may be a matter of semantics, but is depression in CH a matter of the pain and pressure getting to us, or is there a chemical reason for the depression? I'm just wondering. Sometimes I wonder if I "work myself into it" or if it's just happening due to the amount of pain, the duration of the pain, and the exhaustion and constantly trying to hold it together.

It's not an easy either/or issue and there continues to be research and disagreement about the causes.

Clean that many people live with chronic pain without depression developing. But severe pain coinditions likely unbalance hormone balance which can lead to depression. But it's not an automatic response which all people with the same Dx will experience.

Our emotional response is a more predictable precursor to depression and this pattern is what I tried to addess in this artictle:      START PRINTPAGEMultimedia File Viewing and Clickable Links are available for Registered Members only!!  You need to or END PRINTPAGE

The research evidence on this approach to coping is quite strong. Basically: how we think/talk about an issue can lead to the development of negative emotional states.

This week, I wrote in another message: "Do your best to control the panic. We have all made this journey and have learned that control is very likely, that skill in understand our problem is essential, and that learning how to be in charge without being totally absorbed by our situation is a survival skill."

i don't know if you want to call it a depression or what...now this is my experience...when i go into a high cycle (it usually gets to me) once the cycle goes back to normal,all is good...just remind yourself "that this shall soon pass"...wishing you nothing but the best.....Lenny

"Depression" is a word which has become so widely used in daily conversation that it has lost it meaning from the perspective of a mental health/M.D..

The daily use can mean either an important clinical experience OR a "funk" which can pass in hours/days.

In the mental health usage, depression refers to a mood which is enduring, doesn't respond quickly when we have a good day. In its chronic forms it has a life of its own, i.e., not affected by varying quality of our emotional life
over long periods.