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The psychological aspect of dealing with bronchiectasis and MAC.

Posted by Terri Martin, Volunteer Mentor @windwalker, Jun 20, 2018

Whenever there is chronic illness, depression, and other phychological issues like anger, and low self esteem can creep into your life. Is this normal? How do we deal with that? I'd like to invite a fellow member, @megan123, a retired social worker; to join this conversation.

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the MAC & Bronchiectasis Support Group.

Sophie | @sophie1019 | Jun 27, 2018
In reply to @jkiemen "@sophie1019 I feel that I am getting more depressed as time goes on. Someone posted that..." + (show)
@jkiemen

@sophie1019 I feel that I am getting more depressed as time goes on. Someone posted that maybe it was mourning the loss of health and vitality. I think that is part of it but the unknown is also depressing and all the what ifs and staying away from people because of colds, flu's and viruses. All of it gets overwhelming. Not having a great treatment option is the other. I keep saying WHY IS THERE NOT ANY PROGRESS IN TREATING THIS DARN THING!!!!. If I didn't have prayer, I don't know if I could make it through.

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So true Megan. I have a lot of supportI've friends who check in constantly, and my husband, WOW!!! He is so loving and understanding. So just keep going, don't give up. Feel free to ask me any questions you have. I have been to the bottom, and now I'm on top!!!!

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hmt1931 | @hmt1931 | Jun 28, 2018

Very well said! Thank you! The one thing that I find annoying is that people always say I look so good. They can't believe that I am suffering with
pain, frustration and depression! You're right about the energy level. Mornings are good. I tend to gradually fade after 1:00 pm. Living alone adds to the depression because there is no one to distract me from thinking about my limitations. Prayer is what keeps me going and gratitude for all that I am. It could always be worse. Hugs to all!

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Jennifer | @megan123 | Jun 28, 2018
In reply to @jkiemen "@sophie1019 I feel that I am getting more depressed as time goes on. Someone posted that..." + (show)
@jkiemen

@sophie1019 I feel that I am getting more depressed as time goes on. Someone posted that maybe it was mourning the loss of health and vitality. I think that is part of it but the unknown is also depressing and all the what ifs and staying away from people because of colds, flu's and viruses. All of it gets overwhelming. Not having a great treatment option is the other. I keep saying WHY IS THERE NOT ANY PROGRESS IN TREATING THIS DARN THING!!!!. If I didn't have prayer, I don't know if I could make it through.

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Sophie...thank you for your kindness and honesty

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thomasesmom | @thomasesmom | Jun 29, 2018

Hi, my name is Debra Simms and my 24 year

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thomasesmom | @thomasesmom | Jun 29, 2018

Hi, let me try again
I have a 24 yr.old son who I believe has mentally related anger issues.I have been trying to break the details of his life down and Realizing that every
individual is just that, an INDIVIDUAL,it is hard to
diagnose him with 1 named disorder.
Intermittent anger issues seems to fit his behavior. I feel many factors are responsible.
Joint custody, internet usage( non available @home), video games, EXPOSURE to LEAD! & more I can't think of at this moment. He has melt downs & I feel quite confident they are something
Directly and physically tied to some ACTUAL Thing in the house. I experience feeling sick indoors at same household. Do you have any suggestions?
I love my son and want him to be happy.
Thank you sincerely
deb

REPLY
2 replies
Jennifer | @megan123 | Jun 29, 2018
In reply to @thomasesmom "Hi, let me try again I have a 24 yr.old son who I believe has mentally..." + (show)
@thomasesmom

Hi, let me try again
I have a 24 yr.old son who I believe has mentally related anger issues.I have been trying to break the details of his life down and Realizing that every
individual is just that, an INDIVIDUAL,it is hard to
diagnose him with 1 named disorder.
Intermittent anger issues seems to fit his behavior. I feel many factors are responsible.
Joint custody, internet usage( non available @home), video games, EXPOSURE to LEAD! & more I can't think of at this moment. He has melt downs & I feel quite confident they are something
Directly and physically tied to some ACTUAL Thing in the house. I experience feeling sick indoors at same household. Do you have any suggestions?
I love my son and want him to be happy.
Thank you sincerely
deb

Jump to this post

Hi there....you have it sounds, like 2 separate issues going on. It's so important that your son see a professional, for a proper diagnosis. The system doesn't partner you well, so as a mom hopefully your son will listen and get help, thru your local hospital, out patient mental health...

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Moderator
Colleen Young, Connect Director | @colleenyoung | Jul 2, 2018
In reply to @thomasesmom "Hi, let me try again I have a 24 yr.old son who I believe has mentally..." + (show)
@thomasesmom

Hi, let me try again
I have a 24 yr.old son who I believe has mentally related anger issues.I have been trying to break the details of his life down and Realizing that every
individual is just that, an INDIVIDUAL,it is hard to
diagnose him with 1 named disorder.
Intermittent anger issues seems to fit his behavior. I feel many factors are responsible.
Joint custody, internet usage( non available @home), video games, EXPOSURE to LEAD! & more I can't think of at this moment. He has melt downs & I feel quite confident they are something
Directly and physically tied to some ACTUAL Thing in the house. I experience feeling sick indoors at same household. Do you have any suggestions?
I love my son and want him to be happy.
Thank you sincerely
deb

Jump to this post

Hi @thomasesmom
I recommend that you start a new discussion and post about your situation in the Mental Health group. Currently your message is buried in a group dedicated to an infectious lung diseases, called bronchiectasis and MAC.

Here's how to start the new discussion:
1. Go to the Mental Health group https://connect.mayoclinic.org/group/mental-health/
2. Click START A DISCUSSION
3. Enter a title. For example "Anger Issues" or "How to help my son with anger issues"
4. Write your message.
5. Click CREATE DISCUSSION.

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franthony | @franthony | Jul 3, 2018
In reply to @jkiemen "@sophie1019 I feel that I am getting more depressed as time goes on. Someone posted that..." + (show)
@jkiemen

@sophie1019 I feel that I am getting more depressed as time goes on. Someone posted that maybe it was mourning the loss of health and vitality. I think that is part of it but the unknown is also depressing and all the what ifs and staying away from people because of colds, flu's and viruses. All of it gets overwhelming. Not having a great treatment option is the other. I keep saying WHY IS THERE NOT ANY PROGRESS IN TREATING THIS DARN THING!!!!. If I didn't have prayer, I don't know if I could make it through.

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I u pnderstand! When I told my sister about it after my diagnosis, her reaction was—bearing in mind that her husband almost died from MRSA about seven years ago—“So what? I have MRSA colonized in my lungs.” Without getting emotional, I replied,”But you don't have an underlying lung disease. “True.” “And you're not immunocompromised.” (My spleen was removed in 1976.) “True.” That was the entire conversation. She seemed totally disinterested—my only sister! I was devastated.

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alleycatkate | @alleycatkate | Jul 3, 2018
In reply to @jkiemen "@sophie1019 I feel that I am getting more depressed as time goes on. Someone posted that..." + (show)
@jkiemen

@sophie1019 I feel that I am getting more depressed as time goes on. Someone posted that maybe it was mourning the loss of health and vitality. I think that is part of it but the unknown is also depressing and all the what ifs and staying away from people because of colds, flu's and viruses. All of it gets overwhelming. Not having a great treatment option is the other. I keep saying WHY IS THERE NOT ANY PROGRESS IN TREATING THIS DARN THING!!!!. If I didn't have prayer, I don't know if I could make it through.

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@franthony I am so sorry that your sis was not more compassionate and concerned. She is probably spinning from her own health issues and not willing to see that you are suffering.... And that you are also suffering from her cavalier comment. Well, I am glad you are here on this site surrounded by ladies that do care. I was rather startled by lack of comments or concern from my husband's family...nada, zip..zilch with the exception of my kind sister in law who has mountains of health problems of her own. I guess it just comes down to how much empathy other people have and ultimately if they can feel your fears, anxiety and suffering. I'd give her a little slack and she might just realize how serious your condition can be and that you need her support. I am sorry and feel badly for you but please know you can come here and you will find an understanding person that will hear you. Good luck to you...We are all sisters here!!

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Jo Ann K | @jkiemen | Jul 3, 2018
In reply to @jkiemen "@sophie1019 I feel that I am getting more depressed as time goes on. Someone posted that..." + (show)
@jkiemen

@sophie1019 I feel that I am getting more depressed as time goes on. Someone posted that maybe it was mourning the loss of health and vitality. I think that is part of it but the unknown is also depressing and all the what ifs and staying away from people because of colds, flu's and viruses. All of it gets overwhelming. Not having a great treatment option is the other. I keep saying WHY IS THERE NOT ANY PROGRESS IN TREATING THIS DARN THING!!!!. If I didn't have prayer, I don't know if I could make it through.

Jump to this post

@franthony All I can say is Wow. Obviously she does not understand what this is.

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