Dealing with Depression Caused by Chronic Fatigue Syndrome or Fibromyalgia

By Kristi Patrice Carter

When you suffer from Chronic Fatigue Syndrome or Fibromyalgia, depression almost always comes with the territory. While we do not know every cause of depression, we do know that bodily extremes, be they due to external stress (such as a death of a loved one), sleeplessness or fatigue, all contribute directly to causing feelings of depression. In fact, current research suggests that depression is caused by a chemical imbalance in the brain. Be that as it may, there is definitely a link between depression, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and Fibromyalgia.

Whether depression causes Chronic Fatigue Syndrome or Fibromyalgia or Chronic Fatigue Syndrome or Fibromyalgia causes depression is beside the point. Regardless of the sequence, if you suffer from these two conditions, you will likely suffer bouts of short-term and prolonged depression and the real question is “how do you deal with it?” This fundamental question holds simple and complex implications.

The first point to dealing with depression is to recognize the symptoms. When someone suffers from mild depression, they may feel sad but may also experience prolonged sleepiness, anxiety, muscle fatigue and general listlessness. As you can see, many of the symptoms of depression closely mirror the symptoms of Fibromyalgia and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome.

Mild depression can be handled with behavior modification (counseling), holistic or herbal treatments, distressing techniques (Yoga), or a mild anti-depressant or anti-anxiety drug. In fact, each of these techniques can be helpful in promoting endorphin activity as well as stimulating brain chemical activity which can significantly combat mild depression and help eradicate negative feelings. In essence, by acknowledging the depression, you empower yourself to deal with it. 

Deeper depression requires a more technical approach. In these cases, you will have many if not all of the above symptoms, coupled with a sense of hopelessness, irritability, sadness and in some cases, suicidal thoughts. When this is the case, you should seek medical attention immediately. Even if you have never seriously thought about suicide, deep depression can lead to such thoughts so tackling the issue head-on is key to not only alleviating it but also avoiding a potentially life threatening situation.

The important thing to remember is that virtually all of us experience depressed feelings at one time or another. However, by understanding what is going on, you can seek help, find the treatment option that works for you and overcome these feelings and be better equipped to fight your illness with a positive state of mind.