Mornings are terrible
Tue, December 18, 2018 9:10 AM
Hey guys,
I am 20 and was diagnosed with mild ulcerative colitis at the start of the year and have had a couple of flares since. I am super unsure as I am not sad nor feel worthless or anything like that, but rather , struggle to get out of bed in the mornings, am unmotivated and things like putting my clothes away or having a shower just feel like “what’s the point”. I’d say I have grown slightly away from my friends however am starting to see them more as we play basketball. (I must also note Im kinda more antisocial in general and don’t feel as confident as I use to). Is this clinical depression? Like it doesn’t feel like a big enough deal for it to be depression as I have always pictured it like a very noticeable disease. I have always been a lazy person but I feel much more sluggish and more like I have no energy lately! It’s more frustrating that anything else! Some people brush it off by saying “it’s just because of the flare and that’s why you have no energy”. But I’m sure you guys would have experienced this! Please let me know some insight to this! Thanks!
Joined Dec 18, 2018
Sun, March 24, 2019 1:33 PM
Reply posted for Popcorn1306.
You might want to get your blood checked. I passed so much blood I became severely anemic and was tired, even exhausted all the time. Had to have a lot of blood transfusions.
charbsJoined Oct 31, 2016
Sun, March 24, 2019 9:17 AM
Reply posted for Popcorn1306.
I've been going through the same mindset, lately. It doesn't always start with a flare. Being in relatively good health but knowing a flare is inevitable and unpredictable makes it difficult to look forward to things. Being around other people almost always involves food or drinks, and food and drink could mean pain, so I start relating being social with being in pain. It's an irrational connection, I know, but it sits deep in my thinking because pain is a terrible motivator. Isolating myself for days or weeks makes it worse. Then the feeling of pointlessness really starts to dig into everything you do or every thought you have because sharing experience really does make it more meaningful. I cycle through weeks of being unmotivated or just doing whatever anyone tells me to avoid conflict. I feel like my life is just waiting for the next flare. So in the vein of shared experiences, I write this to say you're not alone. Try and keep a friend who will just sit with you and let you hug them. Keep a journal of every insignificant thought that passes your fancy. Reread a few pages when you're lonely. Draw a picture. Sometimes creating something physical is distraction enough. I'm planning a garden. I'm building trellises for my vine vegetables. It gives me something to look forward to that I can do by myself or with others. I think it's helping.
Joined Mar 14, 2019
Tue, January 15, 2019 11:32 AM
Reply posted for Popcorn1306.
IBD has the side effects of feeling sluggish and tired..I have Chron's and have struggled with feeling hopeless at times.. It is not easy and I would recommend talking to someone about it. It is a very very hard battle to fight alone and talking with a therapist could help a lot
Joined Jul 17, 2018
Thu, January 03, 2019 9:53 AM
Reply posted for Popcorn1306.
Yes, these are some signs of clinical depression. The disease itself can make you sluggish, but the "what's the point" thought process is mild depression from my perspective. I would highly recommend reaching out to a therapist--some work through online patient portals, others are in person. A therapist can help with coping techniques and working through any frustrations you have since the diagnosis. I personally get a therapist who specializes in chronic illness the week after my diagnosis and have found it extremely helpful.
lwcrohnsJoined Dec 17, 2018