any kind of stress can worsen depression systems. i don't know if, physically, the biological aspects of rheumatoid disease worsen depression, but certainly the stresses that your body is experiencing can affect depression. there is a difference between situational depression and major depression or other psychiatric illnesses. it's kind of normal to experience situational depression after certain things: the death of a loved one, loss of a job, diagnosis of a chronic illness. add that situational depression on top of a clinical diagnosis and you get... well, what you're experiencing, secret survivor.

i'm experiencing it too. i've been on medication that has really helped my psychiatric illnesses for over three years. when i first got my dx, it was a relief to know that something could be done. but i've been experiencing more symptoms and depression and panic attacks in the last couple of months - i'd say probably the last three months, maybe a bit less. i had a bit of a meltdown at work a few weeks ago and decided to go back to therapy. i found a psychologist locally and have been working with him weekly. we don't always focus on my rheumatoid disease dx, but it's definitely a big help to have that outlet.

fibro and depression often go hand in hand. even some of the same drugs are used to treat each in specific instances. the mechanisms and neurotransmitters in the brain are amazing and intricate - some of the same neurotransmitters are involved in both pain and depression. i would recommend speaking to a doctor familiar with depression and anxiety and consider medication. if you've previously been dx'd with non-situational depression, it's not just you - your brain chemistry is unbalanced. the stress of your rheumy dx is only adding to the worry. you may want to look for a psych who specializes in medication management and look for a counselor to work with.

Steph,

Thanks for the reply. I have talked to my husband about "getting help" again but insurance is a big factor. Last time I was referred to a doctor they didn't want to cover it (Psychiatry) so I had to find a new doctor that they would cover and that didn't go so well. I HATED that dr. I left crying after ever session and very, VERY angry! He did not help at all!!

I think I will call my insurance company today to see who they approve and try to set up an appt. I, also, am on the verge of a meltdown at work. Just this morning, I've already broke out into tears just by walking in the building.

I really hate my life! :'(

your employer may have an employee assistance program (EAP). check with HR. generally they give you three free or low cost sessions with a covered doctor who can then help refer you to an appropriate level of care.

Thanks for the advice... I will check into that. I guess I wouldn't be so bad if it was just depression, but I have OCD as well and all of this together is just too much to deal with. I feel like I need a vacation from my brain!!! LOL

so sorry you are suffering so badly. I too have bouts with the blues that hang like a dark cloud over me and I think it is hereditary since my mom and son have it too. Have you tried Xanax to take the edge off of your nerves that cause stress that leads to depression? My doctor suggested it to me when I had my last surgery and was dwelling on the difficult recovery to the point of upset. It really helps to sooth me and the brewing turmoil feeling that is a lot like you describe. I only use it when I feel this way so you don't need to take it daily. As stephgas says, there are so many good meds now that help with these issues its worth a try to find the right one to give you some relief . Meltdowns at work don't go over well-you can ask my last boss! hope you fell better real soon

Like the idea of a vacation from your brain - had one of those on a visit with my friend Jack Daniels once !

There are therapists who specialise in depression associated with chronic diseases and chronic pain. I'm not sure if you have anyone in your area but I have heard good reports.
Due to a dx of major, complicated depression in 2006, I have been on a high dose of Effexor R since then. I think already being on antids when I was dx with RA over 4 years ago has actually helped me cope with the ongoing roller coaster of trying to find the "cocktail" of meds to control it.
I still have days or weeks when I get down about RA. I can relate to what you're experiencing and RA often goes hand-in-hand with Depression.
I hope you can find someone that your insurance will accept and that you can get some help. I am quite sure that RA can worsen or even cause depression. Steph has good suggestions in her post.
Hugs and thoughts.

Thanks for all of your advice and support...

I took Stephgas' advice and looked into an Employee Assistance Program. After wasting my entire lunch hour (and then another 15 minutes at work) I can't get any assistance because they don't cover it anymore or the facility doesn't accept it. :'(

I finally broke down and tried to schedule a visit with a local Psychiatrist and the ONLY one in my area that accepts my insurance is booked until the end of MAY!!!!!! Even then, I have to pay the first $2,000.00 OUT OF POCKET before insurance will cover anything!!!

The chic on the phone told me I should go to the ER because they can't get me in sooner!

I'm SOOOOOOOOO angry right now!!!! I don't want to go to the ER to sit around for hours to possibly get meds that may take time to help or keep me from going to work and losing my job!!!!!!

I'm at the end of my rope!

why do you have to pay so much out of pocket? all health insurance plans have behavioral/mental health benefits. going to the er is definitely an option to get on medication if you feel that is the route to go (it may be - it's not as uncommon as you'd think).

if you have a good relationship with your gp and are considering meds, your gp may be comfortable prescribing something basic to start with, like zoloft. xanax or another benzodiazepine will probably not (should not) be as easy to get a gp to write a script for.

a psychiatrist will only give you pills - they don't spend a lot of time talking to you. if you can get your gp to give you something like zoloft (used for depression and anxiety/compulsion) and find a therapist to talk to, it might be enough. also, many therapists will take cash and not go through your insurance - it does not hurt to ask.

I agree with RASally. I think the most important thing is to know that you are not alone. I know it seems like it, because everyone around can't tell what you are going through just by looking at you, but you are not alone. There are a bunch of us battling these same challenges, day in and day out. Personally, this is the only place where I feel comfortable talking about my pain or my troubles having to do with RA, and even that makes me depressed (that I can't really talk about these things with coworkers or friends on facebook) because I don't want to advertise that I have health issues. If you want my two-cents, I would say don't think that you have to be happy all the time. Just shoot for a few joyful moments each day, and in-between those moments, know that the next ones are coming. Sending hugs your way.

Well, of course you are angry. Sometimes it can be Soooooo hard to get the help you need. I like the idea of focusing on little bits of good things, then knowing they will come back. I found a website that helps people with chronic illnesses stay working. Chronic Illness Coach, address is : cicoach.com.
Please keep us posted on how you are doing.

I might point out that you just realizing you suffer from depression and reaching out for answers is a great sign! As for going off the deep end,you can't with coming around here with us 24 hours a day we are available :)

I'm so sorry. I've been there. Although not near the degree you
Are but enough to know this is it's own kind of pain & misery.
I pray to never face it again & knowing how bad it can be my heart goes out to you.
Big black hole that sucks you in. The beginning of my pain & the difficulty diagnosing the cause was the beginning of my battle with depression. Scared me more then I can say.
Anxiety also, if there is anything I can do please let me know.
I thought the insurance companies were making access & coverage easier for mental health? Nothing seems to be going the way it should with the dang insurance.
Hope we can all help & hope you get the help you.
Blessings. Sammy

Dealing with my diagnosis has not been easy for me and I am also going through a lot of emotions. A number of years ago when I had insurance issues, I found a local organization that provided counseling on a sliding scale so it was really affordable. Maybe you can seek someone else for counseling and just see the psychiatrist for medication treatment. Sending hugs from NYC.

You know you best. If worse comes to worse go to ER.
Safety comes first & letting this spiral out if control may not be wise. As it can be a climb out.
Stay safe
Sammy