Living with myasthenia gravis can be hard at times. Flare-ups may happen all of a sudden. You may feel very tired. And you may worry about meeting your responsibilities and goals. This can lead to depression.
Depression is serious and may be disabling. It can affect every part of your life. This includes your ability to manage your condition. Depression doesn’t just “get better” with time. So, getting help for depression is just as important as managing your myasthenia gravis. Depression can also be a side effect of some medications used to treat myasthenia gravis like steroids to relieve flare-ups.
The first step toward getting help is learning about depression. Know your risks, recognize signs of depression, and get the right treatment. Start by reading this article. Share it with family and friends. Talk to your neurologist, other members of your care team, and your local myasthenia gravis support groups to learn more.
Depression facts
Depression is common in patients with chronic illnesses. But it is often misunderstood. Some people avoid getting help. They may feel embarrassed or ashamed, or just don’t have the energy. The good news is depression can be treated. First, you and those close to you need to be able to spot its signs, such as:
- Feeling sad and depressed are not the same. Everyone experiences sadness at some point. But, it gets better with time until you feel like yourself again.
- Sometimes depression comes on so slowly you don’t even know you are depressed. And depression lasts a lot longer than sadness.
- You may be diagnosed with a major depressive disorder if you have five or more of these symptoms for at least two weeks in a row. You, or someone close to you, may notice:
- Feeling depressed for most of the day, every day or almost every day
- A loss of interest or pleasure in all, or almost all, activities you used to enjoy
- Significant change in weight or appetite
- Trouble sleeping or sleeping too much
- Feeling anxious or upset
- Feeling very tired and “blah” every day or almost every day
- Feeling worthlessness
- Trouble concentrating or making decision
- Thinking about death or suicide
Treatment
Many helpful treatment options for depression are available. These include support groups, counseling and medications called antidepressants.
There are different types of antidepressants that work on different chemicals in your brain. It usually takes a few weeks until you notice a difference. Sometimes, you need to try different ones until you find the one that works best for you. So, you may need to be patient. You and your neurologist or others on your myasthenia gravis care team will work with you to see what medication may work best for you.
Combating depression
Depression can affect your daily life. Know your risks, be on the lookout for symptoms, and seek treatment right away. Here are other steps you can take to help fight depression:
- Exercise. Physical activity releases “feel good” chemicals in your body. Swimming and water exercises are good options for heat-sensitive people. Yoga and walking are also good options. Ask your doctor which type of exercise is right for you.
- Cope with stress. Stress can trigger and worsen myasthenia gravis symptoms, including depression. Massage, meditation, support groups, seeing a counselor, and staying connected to friends and family may help you cope with stress.
- Volunteer. Helping people can lift your spirits.
- Talk about your feelings. Sharing your feelings with family, friends and other people living with myasthenia gravis may help improve your mood.
- Write in a journal. Writing is a safe way to let go of negative feelings and emotions.
- Do something special for yourself. Get a massage, read a new book, or enjoy a dinner out. These are all small, feel-good rewards. Think about what rewards you would like.
- Laugh. Spend time with a funny friend, see a comedy show, or rent your favorite comedy movie.
Family and friends
Your family and friends may feel unsure how to help with depression, but they can, and should, be involved. Friends and family can help:
- Encourage you to seek treatment.
- Point out the changes they see.
- Go to counseling or support group visits with you.
- Show their love and include you in social activities.
- Help you take your medication exactly as prescribed. They can also be on the lookout for side effects or other problems.
- Take care of your emotional health.
CVS Specialty
CVS Specialty® can help you get the best outcomes from your myasthenia gravis treatment. We can help manage symptoms and side effects like depression. Speak to a pharmacist or nurse specially trained in caring for people with myasthenia gravis.
Find convenient, prescription support online. Register at CVSspecialty.com or download our mobile app to refill, track orders, set reminders and more.
Disclaimers:
This information is not a substitute for medical advice or treatment. Talk to your doctor or health care provider about your medical condition and prior to starting any new treatment. Coram assumes no liability whatsoever for the information provided or for any diagnosis or treatment made as a result.
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