Neuropathy and depression and anxiety

Hello, everybody. Because my autonomic neuropathy causes constipation, I am currently living on no medication for my SMF. Tthe depression is crippling me. I literally contemplate suicide every, single morning, especially the mornings when the flu-like body aches and fatigue consume me. I take Metamucil and other over-the counter remedies for the constipation. These work fine as long as I don't take any meds. But I just can't keep going without something for depression. Is there anyone out there with digestion issues from neuroapthy who has found an anti-depressant that works?

@swartzki, @jager5210, @birdierobin -- I have found my mental state in a not so happy place many times. In some instances it is very difficult to deal with. One of the things that helps me is to try and change what I'm thinking about and turn it into something positive (easier said than done sometimes!). I found a great site by Dr. Amit Sood - The Resilient Option (https://www.resilientoption.com/) that has a lot of different topics, videos and techniques to help you help yourself. I had the opportunity to hear Dr. Sood speak a few years back and he is really good at explaining the way the brain works. Here is one of my favorite short videos:

Love yourself, like your pet does -- https://www.resilientoption.com/blog/194638/love-yourself-like-your-pet-does

More are available on his blog here: https://www.resilientoption.com/blog

Hoping for strengh and peace for all of us...

Unfortunately, I am still working. I have no choice. My marriage is dissolving as well,but he will take half of my retirement when he goes so I have avoided divorce thus far. He has no assets (or at least hides them),nor has he contributed much to the marriage. He even stole insurance checks totaling 18 K made out to me for the repairs of my home after a hurricane. I was in intensive care when he did this. I had to pay for a new roof out of savings because he spent the money before I even knew it was there. I have also lost almost all of my hair to the neuropathy. My anxiety is at new heights. Sleep is definitely an issue. I too love the outdoors. I'm still getting on my horse when I feel like it. I have two grandchildren that keep me wanting to be here. Sometimes the anxiety is so horrible, I lose sight of them too. I'm glad your pain is under control presently. Thanks for responding.

I have been plagued with digestive issues for over 20 years as well as the other SFN pain symptoms. It is depressing especially when the medical community offers little help. Diet seems to be a factor in my stomach & gut issues. Dr. Steven Gundry (I'm aware of how controversial he is) has pointed out one thing which is true for me and has helped eliminate gut pain. Apparently, foods that have lectins, especially beans not cooked in a proper manner, really cause me stomach and gut pain. Glutin bothers my joints. As for irregularity, I have not found an answer to this.

I relate to your daily thoughts of suicide. Pain avoidance is a natural tendency. I have had daily thoughts of suicide for long bouts at a time and it correlates with my pain and sleep levels. I do not take anti-depressants nor will I. Doctors and psychiatrists will recommend them but I would encourage you to look for other remedies first. I find that daily exercise like a walk in a beautiful setting, to be restorative and a good anti-depressant. I've always been an outdoors person and being in nature is a good anti-depressant for me. As I related previously on this board, my marriage dissolved because I was no longer a good partner. I was making my wife miserable which in turn, added to my burden. I did not want this to happen but I accept this was in our best interests. However, I have a dog who is loyal and a fountain of unconditional love. On my worst days, when caring for him is a bit of a burden, my love for him is such that I will do whatever it takes to make sure he is well taken care of. Taking the focus off of my difficulties even for a few minutes on my worst days is a good thing.

I hope you are retired or do not have to work for this disorder is detrimental to a good night's sleep. For me, a good nap, sometimes several, is what it takes for me to regain a more positive attitude. I wish I had more for you but I don't. Presently, I'm in one of my more quiescent periods relative to pain. It happens and I don't know why or how to influence it other than what I just related. Hopefully, you will find such a path.

I have been plagued with digestive issues for over 20 years as well as the other SFN pain symptoms. It is depressing especially when the medical community offers little help. Diet seems to be a factor in my stomach & gut issues. Dr. Steven Gundry (I'm aware of how controversial he is) has pointed out one thing which is true for me and has helped eliminate gut pain. Apparently, foods that have lectins, especially beans not cooked in a proper manner, really cause me stomach and gut pain. Glutin bothers my joints. As for irregularity, I have not found an answer to this.

I relate to your daily thoughts of suicide. Pain avoidance is a natural tendency. I have had daily thoughts of suicide for long bouts at a time and it correlates with my pain and sleep levels. I do not take anti-depressants nor will I. Doctors and psychiatrists will recommend them but I would encourage you to look for other remedies first. I find that daily exercise like a walk in a beautiful setting, to be restorative and a good anti-depressant. I've always been an outdoors person and being in nature is a good anti-depressant for me. As I related previously on this board, my marriage dissolved because I was no longer a good partner. I was making my wife miserable which in turn, added to my burden. I did not want this to happen but I accept this was in our best interests. However, I have a dog who is loyal and a fountain of unconditional love. On my worst days, when caring for him is a bit of a burden, my love for him is such that I will do whatever it takes to make sure he is well taken care of. Taking the focus off of my difficulties even for a few minutes on my worst days is a good thing.

I hope you are retired or do not have to work for this disorder is detrimental to a good night's sleep. For me, a good nap, sometimes several, is what it takes for me to regain a more positive attitude. I wish I had more for you but I don't. Presently, I'm in one of my more quiescent periods relative to pain. It happens and I don't know why or how to influence it other than what I just related. Hopefully, you will find such a path.