Depression after inplant

I'd say yes

by Joe Newbie - 2020-01-05 01:23:05

While we all try to stand tall and say this is great, this is perfect, there is a bit of depression hidden in there someplace. I mean damn look what we just went through. So I say yes there is.

Prior to getting a PM live was very dark and hard to make it through an hour without feeling like I would rather be dead than feel like this.

POOF, I'm 20 again in my mind and I overdo it every single day (just a little) then I feel great at the end of the day. So there are ups and downs.

depression

by Tracey_E - 2020-01-05 10:49:00

Excellent advice from Swangirl. The pacer can't cause depression, no, but having surgery, suddenly dealing with heart problems (or any serious health issue), realizing we're mortal can all have an emotional impact. A period of anger and grieving, a bit of the blues and feeling sorry for ourselves is normal and common. If it doesn't get better, if it keeps you from enjoying life, then it's time to seek professional help. Being down will go away on its own, depression is a disease and needs to be treated as such. The two things that helped me move on were learning all I could about my device and condition. I can accept what I can understand. Then being active again. Fresh air, endorphins, being busy gave me something else to focus on and showed me that the pacer can be trusted to keep me going. 

I think

by Pacer2019 - 2020-01-05 11:38:20

It's not uncommon - just aging itself can bring about sad feelings when ones youthful physical self diminishes. 

i have learned a positive attitude is best as it really the only logical response and is a choice where how I feel is concerned.

"Depression" has become such a broad term used to describe any negative feeling ...... Clinical depression is of course more than feeling regretful , sad , jealous , or other natural human emotions.

the biggest question to me is how those natural feelings are managed -  the power of positive thinking ? Spirituality ? Medication ? Therapy ? Alcohol ? Illegal drugs ? 
 

my GP and I recently were talking about the epidemic of people taking medication for "depression " ..... he said something is wrong when we are giving the guy feeling stress at home that kicks the dog the same powerful drug we are giving people suffering from deliberating clinical depression .

my point is to identify exactjy what the feelings are .....natural sad feelings humans have for a variety of reasons ( last might i was missing my Dad and felt sad ..... I wouldn't say I "have depression" ) -  those natural feelings can be rewired in my mind - I try to seek spiritual solutions so with my Dad I am comforted by knowing I will see him again.

Connection? No and yes.

by Gotrhythm - 2020-01-05 15:14:30

When you say "connection", if you mean "cause" then the answer is no. Pacemakers do not cause depression.

But it's still true that a spell of depression can happen after getting a pacemaker, and it's not at all uncommon. Check the archives. You'll see that members talk about depression with some frequency.

If you're encountering some depression you are not alone.

Many of us here have found depression to be a stage in the journey toward full accpetance of of the fact that our lives have changed.  

But it is a stage. Depression isn't inevitable and it doesn' have to last. A short course of counseling with a professional who understands heart conditions can be beneficial.

Finally, depression should be discussed with your doctor. While the pacemaker doesn't cause depression, certain commonly prescribed heart drugs can, and often there are alternatives. Optimizing your pacemaker settings can also make a big difference in how "sunny" you feel. 

Depressed

by jamfer - 2020-01-06 10:54:41

I was depressed for a solid month afterwards.  Let it wash over you and realize that you're still here for a purpose.  Your future is bright and you have good days ahead.  All the best.  
 

Depression

by Dh13 - 2020-01-06 16:06:46

I think it is natural.  I feel a kind of melancholy   It's been around 4 months since my implant.  I had to get past the why me.  But on the plus side think how lucky we are to have this technology available to improve our lives.  Sometimes it can be hard to separate the I'm just getting older from the new PM.  

Anxiety and depression

by Pacemaker_Sally - 2020-01-08 12:44:07

I think there is a well documented link between anxiety and depression. Even without complications, the post implant healing process is stressful and uncertain. Hyper vigilance is understandable, given the restrictions on activity and all the warning signs we're asked to look out for. Many of us second guess ourselves. 
Personally, given that I am dealing with some complications, I have been using some guided meditation recordings by Belleruth Naparstek to help me through this.