Has anyone out there with depression noticed it gets worse when you’re sick? This week I had gastro, which is no big deal, except by Wednesday night I was ready to end my days. I should have seen the illness coming. My anxiety was worsening in the days before, my tolerance low, paranoia higher, and then bam! Sick as a black dog. The only thing to do was call the Doctor to come quick quick quick. The doctor came with his bag and his hat. And he knocked on the door with a rat-a-tat-tat. Meanwhile, I wept in bed that I was a failure, at EVERYTHING, and I should have asked Phillip Nitschke for a house call.
A shot of Maxolon and a quiet calming session soon set me on the path to wellness, and although the black dog was hanging around for the past few days, it’s somewhat more manageable.
So, besides whining about my illness, I wanted to remind y’all with depression that you’re not imagining it worsening during an illness. Cold, headaches, viral bugs, even serious ones, all set it off.
Here’s my basic chemistry lesson. In our immune system, we have these hormone- like substances called cytokines. When the immune system is activated, the cytokines aid cell to cell communication in immune responses and stimulate the movement of cells towards sites of inflammation,
In our immune system, we have these hormone- like substances called cytokines. When the immune system is activated, the cytokines create cell to cell communication in immune responses and stimulate the movement of cells towards sites of inflammation, infection and trauma.
So basically, they’re the Pacman of the immune system.
However. And there is always a however because that is the dual nature of the world and body. The cytokines, also have a powerful effect on the brain and your behaviour, and if it’s fighting an illness in your body, it doesn’t have time to focus on the self-talk in your brain.
Why does this happen? Who knows. Maybe it’s a way of making your rest. Slowing you down, but too much of a good thing can tend to push you the other way.
So of course, today things are somewhat clearer. I am resting. Drinking clear liquids, and shutting the fuck up.
Sometimes you really shouldn’t pay attention to anything in your head. They’re just goddammed interferons and you know better than to ever listen to them.
Happy Sunday.
xoxo
*This message was brought to you by Kate’s Good Health Channel.
** This is not medical advice. Please see your quack if you need medical advice.