Depression Is A Common Symptom Of Fibromyalgia
Depression is a common symptom of fibromyalgia. Fibromyalgia is a disorder that causes widespread pain and a number of other symptoms. Depression is a common symptom of many disorders, and is often a sign that the person has other problems, such as anxiety or a mood disorder.
Depression is a mood disorder that causes a persistent feeling of sadness and loss of interest. Also called major depressive disorder or clinical depression, it affects how you feel, think and behave and can lead to a variety of emotional and physical problems. You may have trouble doing normal day-to-day activities, and sometimes you may feel as if life isn't worth living. (https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/depression/symptoms-causes/syc-20356007)
The symptoms of depression can be many. Among them are exhaustion, lack of motivation, helplessness, low self-confidence, guilt and anxiety, a feeling of flatness, and sometimes suicidal. Professional medical help should always be sought for any long term or severe depression.
There is not one specific cause of depression, and it can develop for many reasons. Some people with fibromyalgia may have a higher rate of depression because of the widespread pain and fatigue that the disorder causes. Alternatively, depression can be a symptom of fibromyalgia, and people with the disorder may be more likely to develop depression if they have other symptoms, such as anxiety or a mood disorder, that are also common in people with fibromyalgia.
There is not always a clear answer as to why people with fibromyalgia develop depression, but it is important to seek treatment for depression if it is a problem in the person with fibromyalgia. Treatment for depression can be very helpful in reducing the symptoms of fibromyalgia and improving the person’s overall quality of life.
“Alongside stress and anxiety, depression is common in people who have fibromyalgia, almost two-thirds of people with fibromyalgia are at risk of developing depression at some point. Although people who have fibromyalgia are more than four times, likely than those who don’t have it to be depressed, the fibromyalgia-depression link works the other way too depression- and other mental health conditions can increase the risk of developing fibromyalgia.” (Mayo Clinic Guide To Fibromyalgia by Andy Abdil, M.D. and Barbara K. Bruce, PH.D., L.P.)
If you are experiencing depression, it is important to seek treatment from a professional. There are many different types of treatment that can be very helpful in reducing the symptoms of depression and improving the person’s overall quality of life.
Treatment of depression can include a number of different medications, antidepressants is one of them. Disclaimer, I in no way condone the use of anti depressants. This is for the dr and the patient to discuss. There are many different types of antidepressants available; if a person with fibromyalgia decides to go that route they would speak to their doctor and their treatment would depend on the specific symptoms that they are experiencing. Some common antidepressants that are used to treat depression in people with fibromyalgia include selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), serotonin norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs), and bupropion.
It is important to be aware that antidepressants can be addictive and can have side effects. It is important to speak with a doctor about the best antidepressant for you, and to be aware of the possible side effects of the medication. It is also important to be aware of the duration of treatment and the potential for relapse after treatment is completed.
Anti-depressants can often produce a number of side effects which range from mild to severe. These include: Nausea, increased appetite, weight gain, fatigue, drowsiness, insomnia, dry mouth, blurred vision, constipation, suicidal thoughts, headaches, dizziness, agitation, irritability, anxiety, loss of sexual desire and other sexual problems, such as erectile dysfunction and decreased orgasm.
One should know these side-effects so that they can weigh the pros and cons of taking anti-depressants, as well as identify them these symptoms if they occur. I encourage everyone to read and look up as much as you can on these side effects. It is especially beneficial to read what other people have experienced while being on anti-depressants before starting any treatment. Always remember to make sure you are doing what is islamically acceptable.
Allah says, “Verily, with the hardship, there is relief “(Surah Al Inshirah 94: 5)