Depression

[Guest BERNESES]

Thanks Everyone

[Guest BERNESES]

I hope this wasn't too personal a question. Beverly

[Canadian Karen]

"I hope that wasn't too personal a question"........

That was so cute! My first thought was: After discussing in great detail the frequency, texture, smell, etc. etc. of our bowel movements, how much more personal can you get than that??? Asking someone about depression medication is NOTHING compared to that!!!!

Karen

[skbird]

No kidding on the personal comment!

I have been thinking about this some lately. I was diagnosed as depressed, then bipolar 2, then anxiety disorder before going gluten free (or changing my diet in any way). When I started eliminating foods that caused me problems, I stopped feeling those ways. So I decided I didn't have those problems, it was just the food.

Lately I have had some feelings though of depression - only last a day or two - and I'm wondering if it's just my head has this rut it can slip into now that I "know" how to be depressed. I had a hard time finding an anti-depressant that worked for me - most made me feel worse.

When I see all the links to bipolar and gluten now I wonder, is bipolar caused by gluten ingestion or is bipolar worsened by gluten ingestion? Meaning, maybe I am bipolar afterall, just not affected by it on a daily basis now because of my diet?

I'm a little confused on this and would, I suppose, require outside help to figure that out. I don't think I am genuinely bipolar, but wonder why some of the meds for it helped me while I was taking them (mainly depakote).

But I haven't felt the need to take any anti-depressants in a few years now, largely I think thanks to my hypoglycemia and now gluten-free diets.

Stephanie

[Guest BERNESES]

OK- I feel better. I just didn't want to offend anyone. I'm just curious because since going gluten-free I've cut my meds literally in half and I'm wondering now, which came first- the Celiac's or the depression and if it was Celiac related, will changing my diet change my depression. Or is it too late because the neurological damage has been done ? The say with your first episode you have a 33% chnace of having another one, your second raises that to 66% and your third episode to 99%. I've had three episodes.

Anytime you guys want to hear about the shape, smell, texture and consistency of my bowel movements, I'll be happy to share!

[debberdee]

Ya know, at one point I was taking 3 Prozac a day, valium and trazadone. Plus a host of other meds for neuropathy, fybromialgia, arthritis and tremors! Depression is under control, no more meds! I have mild depression right now but I am a 45 year old daddy's girl and my daddy is dying, so I think I am entitled to it! I believe that taking control of what we put into are body definately has positive benefits as regard to our health in every aspect, not just celiac disease. I agree on the poop or depression thing!!!!!! I suppose I have read many, many postings That deal with worse problems than depression! Congrats on being able to cut down on your meds!!!

[lotusgem]

Dear Berneses,

I think that your poll is valid, and interesting too, in that Celiac is believed to cause neurological problems. In 1997, at age 39, I was diagnosed with Obsessive Compulsive Disorder and major depression, both of which I am guessing were brought on by lifelong Celiac Disease. It was horrible having no peace of mind, and living with Celiac as treated by the diet is a piece of cake (gluten-free cake), by comparrison. My depression was treated with a drug that was specifically designed for OCD in conjunction with depression, Luvox. I only took it for a year and a half before going off, in search of a way to live without medication. While on it, I had maybe two good hours out of a whole day, the rest of the time, it put me to sleep, but it was bliss to have the mental pain abate. I successfully overcame both problems, but it was a long journey with a lot of effort too. I've often wondered, like you, about "damage," but ultimately, I feel confident about facing my future, with good mental health. The thing that for me, is so helpful, that perhaps you might want to check out, is meditation. It is, in essence, a method of mental training, a way of peace and positive thinking. It was and continues to be, my life saver. I do it every day, and I honestly believe that my mental health is better than that of most people who have never received the label "mentally ill." I almost didn't respond to this post, because I have in the past been burned by the stigma attached to mental illness. There is such a lack of awareness, generally, about how the brain is just another organ that can become unwell, but can be made healthy again. Nobody would ever dream of stigmatising a person with heart disease or diabetes, yet these are examples of diseases of other internal organs, just like the brain. I wish you well, and am rooting for you in your recovery. You can do it!

Very Sincerely,

Paula

[Guest BERNESES]

Thanks Everyone- Debberdee, I'm so sorry about your dad. I know what that's like. My mom was my best friend and I lost her two years ago to stomach cancer (unrelated to Celiac's as far as I know and I'm adopted anyway). It was horrible. I hope you can find some peace during such a difficult time. Paula- I know EXACTLY what you mean about the stigma associated with mental illness. I've been on various meds since 1989 and at least people's understanding/acceptance has increased a bit since then. When I first went to my doctor he said I had the worst case of depression he had ever treated. I have come so far since then it's incvredible and I'm finding that the further I get into this diet, the less medication I need. It's INCREDIBLe. Thank you all for responding to a sensitive issue. Beverly