dear luna, i'm sorry for your suffering. i too have cfs/fibro, anxiety and ocd and episodic depression which can worsen as my health declines. and often, the sicker i am, the worse the anxiety.

all i can do is share my experience- i have been sick for almost 30 years and i can't begin to tell you how many doctors and mental health professionals i've seen who have not believed in cfs. the status of this illness has changed dramatically including the name from cfs to myalgic encephalomyelitis to reflect the underlying pathology. i recently posted an article in the discussion group "great article for doctor and you". please scroll down till you find it and read it - take a copy to your doctor. perhaps it will help.

depression and anxiety do coexist with ME/cfs but it's clear that this illness is NOT the same as depression. the article addresses this.
i had never been on antidepressants until after i was sick with cfs. it's not just the result of the emotional wear and tear of coping with chronic illness and all of its life changing ramifications, but also the consequence of physiological changes in the body. there is so much we don't understand about depression, but this is my understanding.
i have been on antidepressants since the first trial and benefit greatly.

i'm sorry you are stuck with the doctors you have. i would read this article and take it to your doctor. knowledge is empowering. then have that conversation about depression and anxiety. i know this is easier said than done.

i hope you can get some help and find some peace.

Hi luna991....I do have CFS and Adult ADD and have been in the same situation as you as far as getting worse and dealing with doctors. A severe depression set in for me and it was unavoidable. I resisted treatment from my doctors but I had no choice but to give in to the fact that I also was suffering from depression.

I went to see a psychiatrist and tried a couple of antidepressants until I finally found one that helped me. I do recommend it because it is much better than suffering from depression. I do understand your concern about doctors labeling us as "depressed" first over CFS/Fibro.

Which doctor diagnosed the CFS/Fibro? Are you able to go back to this doctor and speak about your concerns? A good CFS/Fibro doctor will understand that depression is a symptom of these conditions and treat you accordingly. If you have to see another doctor, let them know that you have CFS and Fibro first and foremost. Please let us know how you are making out. I will be thinking of you. :)

Many if not all chronic illnesses can and do result in other physical and mental problems. It makes sense. I to fight against being depressed when CFS is causing me problems. (I almost said my CFS, but it isn't mine. CFS is my enemy. That is the only way it is mine.)

Good luck in dealing with the mental health issues caused by your fight with CFS. May we all stand victorious over our slain enemy. So glad for the wisdom and knowledge of other posters on here.

Yup.. Anxiety and depression come hand in hand with jchronic illness and CFS is a bugger.

If you are having difficulty coping, if you educate and inform yourself, you try differnt things like diet, supplements, meditation, yoga etc. if nothing works for you and you feel out of control .. Then get the medical help you need.

Would you take blood pressure meds if you have high blood pressure? If you need anti-depressants then take them. You may have to be patient to find the one that works for you, but they can make a difference. since I think anti-depressants caused my cfs thats saying a lot.. I hate cfs .. But depression is life threatening, if you need to deal with it..deal with it.