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Demoralization or Depresssion ?
Hi. Last week I stumbled across an article about Demoralization while doing a search re Depression-which I have been told I have along with generalized anxiety; and what caught my eye was the author explaining Demoralization was affecting some people and it was not necessarily "Depression"
To confuse the issue for me, another quick word search of the word Demoralization showed how it was used in warfare, law enforcement, to erode morale among the enemy etc. Another page I read listed symptoms such as:
- Chronic of acute medical illness
- Depressed mood
- Past psychiatric history
- Diminished functional ability
- Younger age (not in my case)
- Poor family cohesion
- Poor quality of relationships
- Avoidant or confrontational coping styles
- Trait anxiety
In a case study on a USA site ncbi.nim.nih.gov... an article written 14 yrs ago told the history of an older man with terminal caner, persistent pain, insomnia, anorexia...frustration over a delay in dr being away and bowel issues who no longer enjoyed hobbies, family, friends. He felt like harming himself. His medical team considered diagnosis of agitated depression - but a psychotherapist felt it was "demoralization" ... that he was in despair because of his situation!
Also described demoralization as a state separate from depression: (another site said opposite) ...... that depressed patients found no happiness in anything; whereas demoralized patients had periods of "happiness" when they had a visitor, their pain was dealt with, etc. I have had this; like being on a carousel, up and down, up and down but not bi-polar.
So... asking myself ... have I been depressed or demoralized or yet another medical condition?
Extreme sadness, pain, loneliness, insomnia, distrust of prescription meds, fear, diagnosis of incurable illness and grief over and over again?
I do not have any medical training and my vocabulary/comprehension is not the best, and I am not an avid reader of medical case histories... it just popped up after a search: but I had kept telling my husband and adult children over and over how very sad I felt with brother dying, illness, etc. extreme stress and anxiety: could it possibly be or have been something other than "depression" - (although depression can form part of demoralization, apparently, according to what I read (wish I was smarter and could sort this out).
Or (perish the thought) could I, and others, have combinations of many things but easier to just combine it all and call it depression? For the average person like me, does it matter?
Regardless, why can some people overcome almost the exact same illness/circumstances and some can't. Why can some "keep going" like the energizer bunny? Maybe I would not feel so bad if I had a medical condition (demoralization) rather than a mental one (depression) or am I not understanding this ... am confusing even myself!
Any thoughts on this - or, as some people say ... "It's the same difference"?
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@lacy2 My daughter and I both react to shots you get at dentist. We get shaky,anxious and lightheaded. My dentist at the time said many people do that reaction.He has to adjust the dose.
I get trembling inside mostly when I wake up. Also Adrenalin rushes.
I found appointment with a pharmacist at my doctors office very useful. Also natural remedies.
Brenda, many of the dental products, shots etc, contain epinephrine. One of my dentists years ago noticed my reaction, pale, heart races, feel jittery etc.[plus the examples you gave] and mentioned it to me. He quit using products that contained "epi" on me. He retired as has another dentist and some have just moved to other areas. I tell them all I have an adverse reaction to epi. I am not allergic but can definitely feel when it is there. Because I don't use products with epi, it takes longer to get numb and wears off faster. Not as convenient for the dentist. Unfortunately I've had to have lots of dental work.
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3 Reactions@crabby55 Thank you for posting about Epinephrine.I‘ll remember that when I find a new dentist.
I want a dentist who is good with older people. I have a hard time turning my head to one side for treatment due to occipital neuralgia. Also Zenker derviticulum ,small bulge in throat,makes it hard to swallow. It would be difficult to swallow all the water collecting in your throat while they drill.
Thanks for reading my rambling
After reading this I think I have demoralization.It all makes sense.
I have told many doctors I didn’t have depression because there are certain times I can laugh,and enjoy things.
The treatment of nasty doctors when I was a child in England set me up for this I think. The doctors there back in the late 40’s and early 50’s were cruel,and would smack children and shout them. Parents couldn’t say a word. They were too scared. Treated doctors and teachers like Gods.Of course they went through the same thing. My mother suffered with anxiety and depression or was it demoralization?
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1 ReactionGreat post. I like the 'demoralizationn' concept - exactly how I feel, rather than depression. I have had several years of depression with fairly good results but 'demoralization' makes it easier to understand. I'm not depressed all the time but never saw a way out. Using the idea of demoralization it gives me a sense of hopefulness - knowing it will pass. Does this make sense?
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3 Reactions@crabby55 A good dentist is important. I had some work done last week, the first in quite some time (I fortunately inherited my dad's teeth, not my mom's [although I did get her joints which is another story]). For the first time ever in my experience, the technician told me that I could possibly experience heart racing or palpitations, and monitored me after the initial injection before continuing. I've never had an adverse reaction (which I told her) and didn't this time either, but it's a dentist I only recently began seeing, and I felt like I was in really good hands. She put my safety first. It meant a lot to me.
I suspect dentists are getting more alert to what can happen, but patients still need to advocate for themselves when getting work done. I had a severe reaction to an anesthetic once, and with all the times I've had to be put under because of those joint problems, I've learned the importance of letting all providers regardless of their field know about any past troubles with any medications. One orthopedist tried to argue with me because the anesthetic is so commonly used, and I had to put my foot down and say no. They used an alternate mix, I was out for the duration, and recovered without difficulty.
@brenda1944 hi just found my old post and read comments... I was in UK too born 1943 and scared stiff of famiy doctor and the school nurse. Mum took me in to see Dr.Haytden Ihad a very very sore fingertip and it was white, I may have been 7... he took out a folding knife held my finger and cut the white end off! No prep etc. Even my Mum was shocked. However, never got it back he said a Whitlow? At school the teachers would hit boys knuckles with ruler if they were talking etc.... My Mum born during ww1 and had us duirng ww2 and never compalined but looking back I would say she was anxious, just didnt show it to we kids. Now I am 82 and memories and illnesses I sometimes wonder if I just had a broken heart.
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