Depression is one of the big warning signs and symptoms of HH ,my doc gave them to me too and I knew in my head I was not depressed and that something still was not right ,needless to say I did an honest attempt to take them but they made me feel worse as far as the fatigue .

Thanks Queenie. Im going to hold off on the anti depressants for the time being. If I get any more tired I will be comatose! Ferritin level is down to around 720 so am going to ride it out til i get to around 50 and see how I feel then, X

Hi Nicola,
Both HH and Hashimoto's (I have both) have depression as a symptom, and my doc wanted (or offered, rather) me to see a shrink, but I refused, as I knew why I was depressed - because I felt so ill! He offered me anti-depressants too, but I have a 'thing' about them as they can be addictive and have nasty side-effects, so I refused them, as well. Hopefully you'll find that when you reach the maintenance stage, your depression will lift somewhat. I'd hang in there and hold off if you can.

Thanks Andrea, I am going to give them a miss. Dont really want to be a zombie for months and then have the threat of becoming dependant on them. X

what better way for dr's to keep generating money by intentionally misdiagnosing patients???? (go figure)

big hugs to you nic

Hey, I've had depression on and off for years. I've also been a vegetarian on/off for years...hmmm, correlation, maybe?

Anyways, I refuse to take pharma drugs for depression and have seen a therapist on and off for years. My current one focuses on 'mindfulness' and I find this really helps me deal with the frustrations and emotional ups and downs that can happen as a result of the Hemo. My 2.5 cents for why a therapist is helpful despite knowing what the issue is.

My other cent that I offer is that I read a book called 'The Mood Cure' and have tried a couple things, settling on 5-HTP 50mg. I was taking it daily for about 8 months before my diagnosis and throughout my initial phlebs, I have been able to reduce it to 50mg every few days.

It basically boosts your seratonin levels naturally. You still need to read everything about it and be cautious. I had my 'naturopathic' medical doctor ok it, and keep in mind our goal is for me to wean off of it so that it's not a long term solution.

Anyways, you can buy it in a good vitamin store and online. Just wanted to mention it for consideration.

I feel way better about taking that than SSRIs. Good luck!

Even the highest doses never really helped me. I slowly took myself off Paxil and have never touched another psych drug. Diet, exercise, saunas, hydration, etc., etc. the best med was music and art therapy.