Pain, Depression, and Reflux

Armando Said:

what are the signs of depression and their symtoms?

We Answered:

Recurrent thoughts of suicide
Feelings of sadness
Inability to experience pleasure
Decreased or increased appetite
Inability to concentrate
Indecisiveness
Feelings of worthlessness and/or blaming yourself for all of your problems
Excessive guilt
Decreased energy
Motor disturbances
Early morning awakenings
Multiple awakenings through the night
Substance abuse
Social withdrawal

Ethel Said:

Parents, is it possible for adhd symtoms to show up as early as 3 years old? What about manic depression, etc?

We Answered:

It's possible for symptoms to show up as early as 3 yrs old however you won't find a Dr willing to diagnose until the child reaches 1st grade. My eldest son is diagnosed as having ADD at age 6 and after trying several meds for the past 5 yrs he has seems to be one of lucky ones and has outgrown it. We stopped giving him his ADD meds last year and the teachers could see no difference in him being on it meds and not so we are having him retested. My son's ADD was caused by the environment we were in (ex was very abusive to me) What you see as behaviors of ADHD and manic depression could be something else entirely like environment. I would suggest the mother talk to her family Dr. and after exploring age appropriate behaviors with her Dr she can ask for the Dr to recommend seeing a specialist. Try that before leaping to assumptions that the child has any disorders. Sometimes the behavior is learned and we project things on our children without knowing we are doing it. Your an awesome friend to care so much about the child and the mother.
Best of luck to you and your friend,
Dutchess
Blessed be

Troy Said:

What is wrong with me >_<???

We Answered:

Have you been tested for FOS syndrome?

Pamela Said:

Is sickness a normal sign of periods?

We Answered:

yes, it's completely normal.
however, the sickness is probably the common cold or something that u dont have to worry about if you have never experienced it before along with your periods.

Isaac Said:

Can having Ulcerative Colitis lead to depression or symtoms of depression?

We Answered:

hi devin, I was dxed w/Crohn's in the 6th grade as well. I can truly understand where you are coming from. It is quite normal to feel the way you have been. I get that way at times when I am flaring or in remission as well.

Talk to your GI or primary care MD about what you are feeling they can offer some suggestions or go to a Crohn's & Colitis Foundation meeting.

To locate a chapter near you go to the CCFA website, click on events&chapters, then click on the state you live in and the nearest chapter will come up. I still go to the meetings just because it's nice to talk to those who are in my shoes & truly understand what I am feeling. Some even have meetings just for teens as well as a camp in the summertime.

CCFA also has a live chat as well as a hotline that is run by healthcare professionals well versed in IBD MpF 9 am - 5pm (EST).

Devin, I realize that being in high school is stress enough--dealing with homework, starting to look at colleges, wanting to hang w/friends but them canceling last minute due to not feeling well, worrying whether or not you can make it in between classes w/o having to use the bathroom, etc. Then you get told by your MD that you have an uncurable illness so you have to deal w/numerous tests, finding a medication that works, hospitalizations, & other side effects that go with it.

People w/IBD are much stronger than they think. We have to grow up sooner and take responsibility for our health. There will be good days as well as bad, but don't let it consume you. Keep yourself busy with things that make you happy like music, drawing, writing, family, & friends.

Know that you are not alone in your journey. I wish you the best for a healthy holiday season. Feel free to email me if you have questions.