Depression and Physical restrictions

[white knight]

As an extension of my other thread "Depression and excercise" I thought I'd mention this topic of physical restrictions or injury.

It's been on my mind since 3 years ago when I broke my lower leg and was wheel chair bound for 8 weeks. The first 4 weeks was so painful I didnt have the mental idol time to be depressed and I had to worry about my business running. Then it set in as well as impatience to get on two feet again.

The trouble is my physical health is a balancing act. DVT both legs, gout that just wont go away, old back injury (well who hasnt got one?), etc. I have to admit however that I always seem to have the drive to put these things aside in my daily life....well most times anyway.  I suppose I really believe that I am more fortunate than some, lucky to walk, lucky to do most things. But I also admit that at times it gets me down and seems to trigger depression. But that isnt conclusive. My depression comes and goes in short bursts now that I'm stable on the correct medication making it difficult to isolate if it is a trigger or not. This is where I need your opinions.

How effected is your depression from physical issues? Did you have the depression before or after your physical restrictions came about?

Thanks  Tony

[White_Rose]

Hello Tony

It's nice to know your name. Thanks for starting this thread. Depression is such a wily beast that working out the whys and wherefores can be almost impossible. To be physically restricted can most certainly lead to depression, especially if previously you have been an active person

I think it's the smaller things in life that get so frustrating with injuries. I broke my knee 13 years ago. I was in hospital for several weeks, more I think because I was severely depressed. I lived alone, still do, and therefore had to manage all the usual household chores myself. I decided that housework was out of the question and cooking was pointless because I had stopped eating. I did want to shower and dress however and this was an enormous process. Making my bed, doing my leg exercises, showering, dressing etc.

By the time I was ready to face the day I was exhausted. Then I had to gather all the bits and pieces I needed to 'entertain' myself and put them within reach plus the phone. A huge thank you for cordless phones.

Difficult as all this was it did at least give me something to do. The rest of the day was spent in fighting depression, the urge to

end it all and managing my thoughts. Getting around the house was a major project and usually left in the too hard basket. I think even if I was not already depressed, being so restricted would have had me climbing the walls, metaphorically speaking.

Everything you take for granted is turned on its head when you are immobilized. Just making a cuppa is like climbing Mt Everest. My family were all working or lived too far way to be of great assistance. This is when you need a good network of friends and I knew very few people in the area at that time.

Like you, when I recovered I was so pleased to have some mobility. Since then I have become less able to get around for various physical reasons. And this

I feel most certainly adds to my depression. I attend a formal exercise class twice a week but have little activity apart from that. That's my fault but it is a catch 22. The less I do the less I want to do and the more frustrated and angry I get.

I have gradually realised that regular exercise is mandatory to keep a healthy mind. If you are physically disabled, either permanently or temporarily, you must find a way to get the body moving.

LING

[Magyarok]

Hi WK,

Last year i suffered from a lower back injury that prevented me from following my usual exercise regime which caused me depression and weight gain.  It took me about 10 months to recover but during my rehab i discovered pilates which i enjoyed.

I think during times of injury or if unfortunately long term or permanent physical restrictions occur and usual forms of exercise are no longer an option then i think if possible look at alternative exercises just to keep moving.  Doing something is better than nothing.

Regards

ignoP

[HA1]

Hi WK

Unfortunately, I cannot say that there is any correlation between my depression and physical issues.  I don't have any physical issues to deal with ATM.  In the past, when I have had broken ankles, or other physical impairments, I (just as ignoP) always find some alternative forms of exercise. That was then, but now, the only thing I can say with absolute certainty, is that if I had a physical constraint that would not allow me to walk daily or go on my long car drives, then I think I could potentially become very sad indeed.

Take care

K