I understand this so well. I don't have CFS, but my husband does, and lately he's been depressed. I don't know if there's a chemical imbalance that results from the CFS that leads to depression, but when I explained to his doctor that he's been crying a bit and that he's told me that he understands certain things but he still feels down or badly about them, the doctor said that it was definitely depression. He suggested some cognitive therapy which would be used by him to counterbalance the negative thoughts... I hope you feel better soon, Hope2Heal!

Hello Hope2Heal, I also hope you feel better as well. I know I get 'down' at times. It's no fun.
I was told my seratonin levels were low and that's one of the hormones which helps us feel good.
I take 5-htp and sometimes Gaba calm. I think Sami-e is also a natural anti depressant. I know
some people find St. John's wart tincture helpful for depression. I don't noctice much of a
difference. I'm no 'pharmacist here'. Just
saying what I've done and of coarse check with your doctor. It is not easy to sort things out.
But if the depression gets worse, I would talk to a doctor or even a counselor. I assume
you've had your thyroid levels and adrenals checked. They can sometimes cause depression
if they're not functioning well. It can be so many things.

Wow, I get you! I feel like I go along and accept my limitations for a while, but then all of a sudden, I am slammed with a wave of depression. I am on Cymbalta for pain and it has a bit of an anti-depressant effect, but I still have my moments when I just cry and cry and I feel like I can't take it anymore. It's one of the most frustrating parts of this disease. My hubby doesn't ask what's wrong anymore because he knows I can't explain it. He just lets me cry it out. Hold tight. You may feel better in a few days. Many blessings.

I know exactly what you mean about worrying that it's the depression causing the other symptoms. It doesn't help that I had one particular doctor who thought that was the case. He even sent me to a psychologist but after seeing me for a few months she confirmed that it's actually the other way around - the CFS causes the depression. When you can't do so many things that you used to or want to, it is hard to stay positive.

That, I think is your explanation. Depression is common with CFS because of what the disease does to your whole life - the way steals everything from you and all the hours you're too tired to do anything significant gives you too much time to dwell on it.

I've had counseling on and off over the years (cognitive behavioural therapy), including just recently when I was going through a particularly bad patch. (If you are interested in details and don't think it will get you down too much, I documented it in my journal here on DS, you just need to send me a friend request to access it, I think.) For years I resisted taking medication but it came to the point where I had to admit I needed it. Thankfully I don't react badly to medications like a lot of people here do. I'm on Effexor now and it definitely has made a difference.

I hope you are soon feeling more positive. Hang in there, we are all here for you.

Amen to all that and me too! I think it's just a part of it. I believe having CFS causes depression, Depression doesn't cause CFS. If that were so, we'd all be the most hurting and bedbound when we are depressed and at least in my case my mood doesn't really match my physical ability. I don't think it would be normal to NOT be depressed with an illness that changes the course of your whole life plan.

Thank you all for your responses. It is good to know I'm not alone and to try and believe that CFS causes depression and not the other way around. I have many days where my mood is good, the days post exertional malaise is not hitting on me. Maybe malaise is synonymous with depression? If you had true depression, I would think you'd be depressed every day.

Here is the definition of malaise, and it sounds an awful lot like depression to me:

A general feeling of discomfort, illness, or uneasiness whose exact cause is difficult to identify…

unhappiness
uneasiness
discomfort
melancholy
depression
despondency
dejection
angst
listlessness
weariness

Cmiat, you explained it beautifully. CFS is primary. Depression is secondary. CFS is the cause, depression is one result. If you weren't depressed about the limitations to your life caused by CFS you'd be "crazy"!

I agree with Wolfgang. When we carry CFS or other chronic health stuff, it can be debilitating. Imdeal with chronic allergies which manifest in lots of fatigue.

Anyone can become depressed when suffering from and living with a chronic illness. I used to be extremely energetic,happy,and upbeat. Now, my body won't let me be. I have been so down and depressed . . Thinking how would my life be if I hadn't come down with this illness ? It has effected each and every part of my life. Had to leave my job, strain on family relationships.etc. I feel like I have not been my true self since cfs fully hit me 4 years ago when I was 19.... I am trying st.Johns wort as a natural anti depressant . I try to do what makes me happy and laugh such as being with my puppy and soon to be husband . Enjoying walks and the simple things. The sky,breeze,flowers... things I used to never pay attention to before I got sick. I know that God is using this in my life to perfect my heart before I get a new body in heaven one day!!!! Ican't wait to feel normal. With energy and be symptom free! Wether it be on this earth, or up in heaven. God's my only hope.