Depression

[curse.or.cure]

has anyone ever suffered from depression or just teared up when thinkig of all the foods you cant, and will never be able to eat?

[DownWithGluten]

has anyone ever suffered from depression or just teared up when thinkig of all the foods you cant, and will never be able to eat?

Yeah some days I feel bitter about it, and annoyed. Even though I know I shouldn't and at least I don't have 5,000 allergies at once...etc. etc...but honestly. It is rather constricting to have this kind of an issue when one lives in a society that is so quick paced, depending a lot on quick accessiblity to food, etc...not to mention how much the social aspect of life revolves around food/drinking/eating out/business lunches/etc....which gluten always inevitably puts a damper on.

I don't know. Maybe it's easier for those who didn't use to be free from these restrictions? But I think a lot of present gluten-intolerants weren't diagnosed as a wee child since the awareness only more recently seems to be growing. Maybe the next generation won't be as bitter.

Sometimes what makes me feel better is when I remember how HORRIBLE, on a day to day basis, I used to feel. Maybe I'm one of the lucky ones in the sense that I did have a lot of terrible symptoms which is what drove me to realize my gluten-intolerance. (Instead of just feeling perfect and having a blood test reveal a disease). I was at the point of despair, so thus the fact I can do something about it is a truly wonderful thing.

The bitterness just comes in at the fact I have it at ALL, I think

[ang1e0251]

I guess I'm just a glass half full kind of gal. I also was so sick I was estatic to find a solution. Life is so good now I just can't feel sorry for myself even though others seem to feel that way for me.

I'm not really one to ruminate on why me? Others have heart attacks, diabeties, cancer, MS...the list goes on. I expected to have health problems as I aged, I'm 51 now, and this seems vey minor to me compared to what I see others suffering.

Maybe if my circumstances were different, I would feel differently. I'm just grateful for what I have and the ability to work and love my family.

[Lexi]

I definitely do. I have a bit of a break down about it about once a month (and on Thanksgiving). The last time I cried was when I was going through the drive-thru picking up chick-fil-a for my kids.

[Salax]

I admit, I was. I am not so much anymore. I was angry and then the sadness set in. But after the tears of frustration, I realized that this could be the best thing that has ever happened. I don't feel sick anymore and I am going something good for my body.

I have to stay focused that this is not a disease that is going to ruin my life, it's enhancing it. There are so many other problems that people face, this is small in comparison.

Granted there is still food attachment, however; why can't we just get creative in the kitchen? I did and I found things I love to eat that makes tummy happy.

~Salax~

[bunzilla]

After being diagnosed in Feb 09 I have had many ups and downs. I don't believe I am feeling sorry for myself. It is somewhat of a relief to no what was causing my terrible itching...DH.. I usually consider myself a happy person. I accept my fate and must move on. However, for awhile after diagnosis I would randomly break down once or twice a day. Something would trigger the sadness and the waterworks was on.(don't watch Oprah) .

Grocery shopping is always somewhat depressing. All the foods you have eaten all your life are on display, mocking you, knowing you can never eat them again.

One incident at Walmart comes to mind, My wife was looking for ingredients to make a taco soup for the daughter at college.

I pointed out the wheat flour in a can of chile beans, (its everywhere) .

She replied, "who cares, it's not for you anyway". Now I don't blame her for her somewhat insensitive remark, but, it triggered the sadness in me and when we got to the car I had a major breakdown.

There must be some kind of chemical inbalance going on there. With the major change in diet and all.

Anyway, this website is such a blessing. I check the DH forum everyday and have found it very useful.

I had never been to the 'Coping with' forum but for some reason felt compeled to check it out today.

I believe everything happens for a reason and when I saw the 'depression' post I knew why I was drawn here.

It helps to know you are not alone and depressed feelings can be part of what we go through.

I have been better the last week or so, haven't cried at all, so maybe it has run its course

"Contentment makes a poor man rich, discontent makes a rich man poor."

[RiceGuy]

My life never really revolved around food, so although it might be nice to be able to enjoy certain things from time to time, I enjoy my better health far more than any food.

What's funny, is that I used to "love" pasta. I ate tons of the stuff. That was something I really really didn't want to give up. So when I finally got to try Tinkyada, I was soooo looking forward to it. I was actually expecting the same sort of high I'd get from wheat pasta. And even though the texture was there, and the flavor was there, and the aroma was there, the high wasn't. I was initially puzzled. I was like a junky who got tricked into snorting powdered sugar. I felt cheated.

The opioid induced high which gluten creates in the brain is a powerful drug. For those who don't know, researchers are finding that gluten (and casein) actually bind to the same receptor sites in the brain as heroine. This is undoubtedly one of the reasons why people are so reluctant to give up these two foods.

Since I've always enjoyed cooking and baking, I am constantly challenging myself to create yummy foods. Some entirely new, and others which are traditionally made with wheat. I can't tell you how much fun it is, and I really miss it on the days when I find I don't have time. So I don't dwell on what I cannot have. Rather, I revel in all the new possibilities.

There are also a great number of foods which I never even thought to try before going gluten-free. So I was missing all those! And they are far more numerous than the ones I had to give up. Now I have so much more variety in my diet, I don't see any large gapping voids. I don't feel cheated when it comes to giving up gluten. But heck, I've also had to give up dairy, nightshades, and a few other things. I care more about tomatoes and potatoes than about gluten.

So no, I don't get depressed, but I did resist at first. After all, gluten was an integral part of what I thought were my favorite foods. Now, I'm glad I broke the addiction. I think we all can eventually. I'm sure it seems awful at first. That's to be expected I guess. Just remember not to try and hold on to it like it's your everything. But know that it will fade into the background, and be replaced with a newfound sense of wellbeing, both physically and mentally. Relish your greater health!

[DownWithGluten]

One incident at Walmart comes to mind, My wife was looking for ingredients to make a taco soup for the daughter at college.

I pointed out the wheat flour in a can of chile beans, (its everywhere) .

She replied, "who cares, it's not for you anyway". Now I don't blame her for her somewhat insensitive remark, but, it triggered the sadness in me and when we got to the car I had a major breakdown.

No offense to your wife...but oh no, that comment would not have gone well with me. Lol. If someone gave me that kind of remark, they'd either get an earful of bitter sarcasm or a dirty look. That's just rude. I mean I guess if I was pointing it out ALL the time or something...but yeah that kind of peeved me just reading it.

[Poetry]

Right now I am so depressed, waiting for some kind of diagnosis or not. But I am in so much physical pain that I thought I would take myself to the emergency room last night.

This SUCKS.

[ang1e0251]

Poetry,

I'm so sorry you're feeling so bad. You are waiting for a dx? Did you receive it yet? Are you at a place where you can go gluten-free to feel better?

We're pulling for you.