How do people with chronic illness or disabilities deal with depression?

Question

Once you have accepted your problem and the pain that it brings how do you deal with knowing that there are just always going to be things that you can never do again? How do you find a job that you can do with out being looked over for someone younger or more agile?

Answer 1

I have chronic pain from an old back injury that has left me permanently partially disabled. I also have diabetes that now requires insulin, asthma and thyroid disease. All that said, it is NO surprise that I also have depression! (LOL) Being optimistic and positive is occasionally hard, but I take Prozac and that helps a lot. After you accept being restricted, you learn to do things differently, or you learn to accept help from others when you need it. It's hard to admit sometimes that you need help, but you need to put your pride aside and just take it. As for work, that is often a challenge. I worked at the same place for 14 years and that is where I injured my work. Being an injured worker, I had many rights and they had to work with my new restrictions. Generally speaking, they were pretty decent about it and when they weren't, my lawyer convinced them that they should be. ;-)

My suggestions? Stay strong, be patient and keep your faith. Also, use medicaitons to help you through rough times if you need to. God Bless.

Answer 2

I'm sure he can apply for disability, but as to whether he gets approved or not...well, that's a different story. My dad has terminal end stage COPD, and he had to apply twice (was rejected the first time, and had to get a lawyer to fight his case the second time). I get the impression that the Disability office likes to turn almost everyone down the first time. You might have better luck if he applies for partial disability. My mom applied for partial disability because of her back pain and got it on the first try. He might want to talk to his doctor about his symptoms; maybe they might be less debilitating with a different medication, etc. I'd encourage you and him to try for disability, though. Make sure your doctor is in full support of his application; that will make a big difference in the outcome of the case. Hope it all works out for you!

Answer 3

There is lot of anti-depressent meds on the market that you can get with a prescription. Talk to your Dr. As far as the condition, I would say to contact the organizations that deal with the Americans with Disabilites Act. That would be two good directions to get started.

Answer 4

I have HIV and hep C and suffer severe bouts of depression.I have to take medication and I see a therapist.Sometimes even that doesn't help and ya just have to deal with it and find strenghth within.The meds I'm on are Paxil and Clonazepam.Good luck and know your not alone.

Answer 5

hi
You have to have a positive thought about your disability=things that you ar e able to do and if you can get around on your own think happy thoughts about that and the depression will ease up

Answer 6

i have same problems...try cymbalta...seems to b working...but im still dealing with it one day at a time....have my good and bad...just try to stay positive....best wishes!