How to cope with DEPRESSION on top of SERIOUS DESEASES

I really need help. I am so depressed that I lost interest in everything. I have Lupus, COPD, rt. leg amputee,pulmonary hypertenion,congestive heart failure, only 20% of my lungs still funtion due to my Lupus.I can't do anything without gasping for breath. I really wish there was a cure for depression, because I would love to be normal again   !!!!

Hi Sydney.  I don't like to be a wet blanket here, but curing depression is kind of a pie in the sky dream, when you have so much else going on to make you feel depressed. I have psoriatic arthritis, affecting my hands, shoulders, feet and knees, asthma, and a long history of depression {since about age 6}.  Actual diagnosis is chronic dysthymia with multiple episodes of major depression.  I had hypertension for years due to asthma meds under current guidelines.  I can't say what will work for you, and I don't advise you to follow my example without consulting knowledgeable people.  However, I wll tell you that for me, getting off most of the pharmaceutiicals and using natural supplements, homepathic remedies and herbs are working much better.  My asthma isn't as well controlled, but my blood pressure is back to normal without any treatment, other than to watch my sodium intake, which also helps my asthma.  About 4 1/2 years ago I had to quit riding a bicycle to get around the area where I live, but since getting off the narcotics and other meds and using the more natural approach, I have much less general pain, and am starting to be able to use a bike again some.  That's good for my depression, cardiovascular and pulmonary systems.  And when I feel better physically, depression is much easier the manage as well.  What you need to do is have a long chat with your doctor about your situation, and about what is or isn't working for you, including how depressed you feel.  Also try to stay connected to people who can support you and understand the feelings you're experiencing.  Depression is a very serious aliment all on its own, but when it's further complicated by other chronic and debilitating conditions it becomes a juggling act to try and balance everything to the best you can be, and keep it in balance.  And like all new skills that juggling takes persistent practice to learn and maintain.  I think feeling "normal' again is probably an unrealistic goal, all around.  What I find works best is to aim for reasonable comfort, and peace with myself, from day to day.  If you would like to  contact me further I can be reached at sandraleesmith46@gmail.com.

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