Pain, Depression, and Reflux

Leroy Said:

Is there a link between meningitis and depression?

We Answered:

Hi... i'm sorry you're struggling.

I have had some surgeries over the past five years, and i have had some bouts of depression, also. Recovery from illness or injury takes its tole on our bodies as well as our minds, that's for sure. And, i'm sure that it was no fun recovering, seeing how you were likely isolated and couldn't do the things you enjoyed before your illness. Plus, we just can't get up and go do what we like when we are trying to recover.

The best thing i can suggest is to consider talking with a therapist. Perhaps he or she could help you find direction, to set goals, and to find your happiness again.

I'm sending all best wishes!

Andy Said:

social phobia, linked with depression?

We Answered:

Growing up, I was this way too around people outside of my small, immediate group of close friends. First and foremost you will likely grow out of this; life is a completely different scope after high school. Here are things that helped me:

- I moved to a new place, entirely on my own. This was a true test, because I was forced to learn how to interact with people, and just talk to people to get things done. It took many years to "come out of my shell", and was very trying, especially during the first year or two on my own. But, after moving to many new places, and being in various settings (geographically), this ultimatley helped build the self confidence I needed. Also, there is something about going to a brand new place where you don't know anyone. I grew up in a relatively small-medium sized town, and in that setting many people your age (people you went to school with, etc.) knew you or had an opinion about you. Moving away somewhere completely new, where you don't really know anyone, gives you a "fresh start" to completely reinvent yourself.

- In my early 20's, I finally raised the issue about the anxiety I experienced socially to my Doctor. We discussed some options, and I was prescribed generic Xanax. For me, this medicine was a near life-changing experience. I only used it as needed, when I knew I would be in social situations that would make me extremely uncomfortable. Taking the pill would remove all of the anxiety, and allow me to feel "normal" in these situations. And, after being in a situation under the influence of Xanax a couple of times, I realized I could eventually go into a similiar situation without the pill, and feel minimal anxiety. For me, the pill kind of "showed me the way" to not feel anxiety in situations.

Elsie Said:

Has anybody tried the new quit smoking tablet 'Champix'?

We Answered:

hi
its called chantix. I work in the pharmacy and from what i have seen so far...most of them quit smoking after using chantix. i haven't heard of one person complaining about any side effects. so i would recomand that u try it...
i am sorry..there is a product called champix..(which i never heard of). anyways..i am not really familiar with champix but i would recomand chantix. hope that helps
sorry for the confusion

Hazel Said:

depression and cannabis?

We Answered:

weed is a depressant actually and daily use of the high quality stuff intensifies the feeling ... and stopping after you have been smoking daily, it could just be mild withdrawal ... if you are going to use pot, use sparingly, such as a wine drinker would have a glass of wine occasionally, think of using it like that ... only smoke one joint and then do not smoke another until at least 5 hours has passed ... that will decrease any withdrawal ... drink lots of water now and i find some low-grade exercise, like a bike ride, washes those feelings away ...

Frederick Said:

Is there a link in quitting smoking and depression?

We Answered:

I suppose that withdrawal symptoms from nicotine could make you feel depressed. I know that when I stopped smoking just over a year ago I felt pretty down for a while, but it does get better so hang in there as it is worth it.