Did you know that many people with chronic diseases also battle depression?
While feelings of sadness and loss are often quite “normal” for those who have to deal with life-changing chronic health issues, long-term depression is something we see more and more frequently – which is why I am constantly pushing for more health advocacy. A greater understanding of what having chronic disease means for the patient is essential, and ways of dealing with depression are vital in paving the way forward.
UPLIFT and Advocacy
I am incredibly proud of the work done by Chrissie Jenkins, Scheri Force, and the UPLIFT Chronic Pain Encouragement Group. As they expand across the Carolinas, it’s wonderful to see the growth and development of these UPLIFT communities that provide support, information, and encouragement to those dealing with chronic illnesses. They are passionate about health advocacy, and I believe there should be an UPLIFT Chronic Pain Encouragement Group in every town and city across the country.
Whether it’s Crohn’s disease, colitis, or MS, many chronic patients battle with depression. Let’s take MS, for example. What’s interesting to note is that your typical MS patient is a 38-year-old female, and many of these patients are single for whatever reason. That means they are single mothers juggling a chronic disease while trying to hold it all together, and many suffer from depression.
Depression and mental illness are at the top of the healthcare issues we must prioritize. Life is hard enough as it is, but throw in chronic disease, and it can become an untenable situation.
Having a Voice
I have attended some of the UPLIFT meetings, and I am always interested in listening to the stories of patients who talk openly about being depressed yet are dismissed by family and friends, and even other medical practitioners.
As Chrissie says, “Unfortunately, most people have had uncomfortable, unpleasant experiences throughout their medical journey – feeling dismissed and devalued. Often with not a lot of respect for their journey and their story.”
UPLIFT meetings encourage the sharing of stories and issues among chronic disease patients. Depression and mental health are recurring topics, with individuals giving a voice to their pain and guiding each other toward possible solutions.
On Saturday , UPLIFT Mt Pleasant is hosting a discussion led by Richard L. Bowen, M.D., from the Charleston Ketamine Centre, who will unpack the use of ketamine therapy to help those dealing with chronic pain and depression. This is a relatively new field of exploration, and Dr. Bowen will explain the science behind the benefits of this new treatment therapy. He has performed over 1000 ketamine infusions and says: “providing ketamine treatment for depression is by far the most rewarding thing I have done during my thirty-year career.”
Don’t Miss the Uplift Event on the 18th of February
It will be a really interesting discussion, and there have been some remarkable results documented by Dr. Bowen and other experts in the field. So if you are battling with chronic disease and depression, please make sure you go to Mt Pleasant Waterworks on the 18th of February and spend some time with Dr. Bowen as you learn more about ketamine therapy and depression.
And well done to Chrissie and Scherie for putting together this event that will provide much food for thought in the continued journey to wellness for those suffering from the effects of chronic illness.
0 Comments