Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome Support Group

Ehlers-Danlos syndrome is a group of rare genetic disorders caused by a defect in collagen synthesis. Depending on the individual mutation, the severity of the disease can vary from mild to life-threatening. Common symptoms are unstable, flexible joints with a tendency to dislocate and subluxate, and elastic, fragile, soft skin that easily forms welts and scars.

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/ Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome Support Group

Depression

supportmydaughter
supportmydaughter

Hi I'm new to this group.  So forgive the long text.  My daughter is 19 and was diagnosed with EDS type 3 a few years ago.  She has already had tibial and petella realignment surgery and needs the other knee done.  We have delt with bowl issues and anxiety attachs as well as cronic depression.  I am wondering if anyone has found anything to help with the depression?  She has started taking Methylfolate and it has made a big difference.  I am wondering if anyone has tried anti depressants and do they work with EDS.  Her DR. said because of the soft tissue, most medicines wont work absorbing.  Thank anyone with feedback. 

Beautifully-Broken
Beautifully-Broken
I just joined this group and saw this post. Hopefully by now you have had some success.
I just wanted to say, I'm Bipolar and haven't had issues with my meds not being absorbed due to my EDS. Thank gawd cause I couldn't survive crazy and stretchy! ;)
MissJaimee
MissJaimee
Hi, I'm sorry your daughter is struggling and I believe I understand how she feels, I'm recently diagnosed and in recovery now from my own realignment surgery on my left leg, the final round of 4 surgeries. I found that B-complex supplemented in my diet noticeably affects my depression. As well as meditation to calm myself down from the anxiety and sadness this pain brings me. Additionally, peppermint tea does helps when the pain is overwhelming although I'm not sure why.....I know it sounds holistic and cooky...but I work in pharmaceuticals and honestly these have been the only things that have significantly improved my quality of life and mindset on a long term basis. Stay strong.
Manyhahama
Manyhahama
I am 62 yrs. now and have lived with depression on and off for most of my life. I chose to go the natural/holistic route for treatments and what I have found helpful is St. Johns Wort tincture or capsules would probably work as well, Sam-E is good for depression, liver and joints and is suggested for people with EDS. Mindfulness/meditation is also extremely helpful...daily practice of this kind is essential for those with EDS. All the best to you...
question
question
I have hEDS and most antidepressants havent been helpful for me but I’ve found one or two that benefited me. I think it’s worth a shot.
froggerlady
froggerlady
I a fellow mom of a daughter that took 17 years of struggle and pain before she was finally diagnosed. I was so relieved to have a name to the symptoms, but quickly found that family, friends, work still thought she was being dramatic or that EDS was a mild condition. She developed crippling depression, anxiety, and was nearly agoraphobic. Some times she didn’t leave her room for weeks. I had prepared myself to come home and find the worst possible outcome. We tried drugs and nothing worked. Then we started going to a counselor that used behavior modification. Nothing as drastic as that first sounds. My daighter’s First 3 months I had to be in every session because her anxiety was so high. The counselor started to ask her to identify times that she pulled herself out of a depressed episodes. Or times when she faced and over came a moment of anxiety. She challenged her to take tiny steps. There was no flash in the pan fix. It’s a few years later and my daughter went back to community college. She still faces all the same demons every day, but now she faces them. I hope you and your daughter find a path that works for her. I don’t think the world will ever understand how brave you have to be to wake up each day in pain. Mild ecxercise and a change in diet by lowering her sugar intake and increasing her vitamins all helped.