Depression and psoriasis

[Fred]

There are a lot of studies about a link with Depression and Psoriasis, and although surveys are fine it could be interesting to have a survey right here on Psoriasis Club.

Guests and members can vote in the poll above, members can also post in this thread if they wish. 

Your vote is anonymous though I will be able to see the names of members that voted, so if you want to remain anonymous you should log-out to vote.

Obviously posts in this thread are in the public domain so you should only post what you are happy with.

So the question in the poll above is "As a psoriasis patient have you ever suffered with depression?" Vote in the poll above, and/or post in this thread.

[Kip]

I have taken a low dose of prozac for over 10 years now and have been completely free of the plague of depression I endured since childhood. If I stop-there it is again in a few days, so I don't stop anymore.

[Fred]

I have taken a low dose of prozac for over 10 years now and have been completely free of the plague of depression I endured since childhood. If I stop-there it is again in a few days, so I don't stop anymore.

Thank you for sharing Kip, please don't take my question wrong and I will understand if you don't want to answer. But can you become dependent on using prozac and is it true it can bring on anxiety?

[Kip]

No problem for me at all Fred. I can only speak for my own experience but it seems the opposite is true.
My depression was dependent on me not taking Prozac.
For me it is clearly a case of chemistry/biology. I have never experienced elevated anxiety or any significant side effects. A higher dose has no increased effect and I can miss a day without any symptoms, although I rarely do.
I read a lot of hype about it in the 90's, much of it I did not believe, particularly how it caused suicide and other stuff. Never thought to try it myself until much later. Never looked back since.

[Fred]

No problem for me at all Fred. I can only speak for my own experience but it seems the opposite is true.
My depression was dependent on me not taking Prozac.
For me it is clearly a case of chemistry/biology. I have never experienced elevated anxiety or any significant side effects. A higher dose has no increased effect and I can miss a day without any symptoms, although I rarely do.
I read a lot of hype about it in the 90's, much of it I did not believe, particularly how it caused suicide and other stuff. Never thought to try it myself until much later. Never looked back since.

Thank you Kip, I asked as it may help others who are reading.

Depression is such a difficult thing to deal with, and I think the sharing of this type of information can be of use to others.

I notice this poll has had 21 votes since I started it in April, Ten of those have ticked the box Severely and Six Mildly, those are eye opening figures and the more people talk about psoriasis and depression the better.

*If you are reading this as a guest and have depression along with psoriasis please don't be alone, you will find a very friendly bunch of people here who understand and are always willing to help if they can.

[jiml]

I have given this a lot of thought about how to answer. I can say I have never been treated for depression for anything. I can't say I have never been depressed about having psoriasis. In fact there has hardly been a day in my life when psoriasis hasn't been a worry to me. As a young single man it was more stressful,than depressing, although I suppose when I think back I suppose it was depressing as no matter what I tried I was stuck with this disease. It certainly made me introverted and defensive when meeting people and always aware of there gaze and the fear I was shedding skin everywhere, but I don't think I was depressed, yes sad sometimes that I was chosen to carry it through my life. But I learnt to hide it very well. But since being on the treatment I am on and being clearer for longer than I have ever been in my life. I can notice the difference in self confidence. And looking back psoriasis has ruled the things I have done in life.and restricted my choices.. But no I have never been really suffered with depression

[Fred]

I have given this a lot of thought about how to answer. I can say I have never been treated for depression for anything. I can't say I have never been depressed about having psoriasis. In fact there has hardly been a day in my life when psoriasis hasn't been a worry to me. As a young single man it was more stressful,than depressing, although I suppose when I think back I suppose it was depressing as no matter what I tried I was stuck with this disease. It certainly made me introverted and defensive when meeting people and always aware of there gaze and the fear I was shedding skin everywhere, but I don't think I was depressed, yes sad sometimes that I was chosen to carry it through my life. But I learnt to hide it very well. But since being on the treatment I am on and being clearer for longer than I have ever been in my life. I can notice the difference in self confidence. And looking back psoriasis has ruled the things I have done in life.and restricted my choices.. But no I have never been really suffered with depression

Thank you for sharing Jim, it's good to hear you've never had depression. I think most people with psoriasis find it stressful and it does make you introverted and defensive, that thought of always being looked at plagued me for years.

It's a lot harder when we are younger, but at least today there are better treatments and understanding than there was when I first got it about 35 years ago.

Plus we have places like Psoriasis Club today, all I had was a piece of paper from my doctor and left to get on with it.

[Charlotte M]

I have been on anti-depressants for a few years. They were prescribed to me after I had major brain surgery to help control epilepsy ( Due to this surgery, I have been seizure free for 3 years )  

But at the same time I got referred to a psychiatrist and since then I have constantly been monitoring my thoughts and feelings.
When the psoriasis on my hands got really bad and I was trying to cover my hands and hide them, I instantly felt miserable and tearful because I thought it looked so disgusting.
I don't remember feeling like that years ago.

Does all this therapy help us at all? Or does it make us more aware of the things we are least happy about in our lives? I don't know...

[jiml]

I have been on anti-depressants for a few years. They were prescribed to me after I had major brain surgery to help control epilepsy ( Due to this surgery, I have been seizure free for 3 years )  

But at the same time I got referred to a psychiatrist and since then I have constantly been monitoring my thoughts and feelings.
When the psoriasis on my hands got really bad and I was trying to cover my hands and hide them, I instantly felt miserable and tearful because I thought it looked so disgusting.
I don't remember feeling like that years ago.

Does all this therapy help us at all? Or does it make us more aware of the things we are least happy about in our lives? I don't know...

Good evening Charlotte you raise a good point at the end of your post. I have never seen a psychiatrist. I think I'm fortunate that I've always been a glass half full person.... I think talking your problems through with someone does get the problem out in the open. I think when you have identified the cause it's so much easier to accept and deal with. Rather than bottling it up
With regards to your hands and trying to hide them I can recognise myself in that situation.. It was always hands and face I dreaded having an outbreak on as they were the first things people notice.
I'm glad the surgery for epilepsy was successful and you are 3 years without a seizure that's brilliant. But it has brought on depression and the need for anti depressants .... That's a shame and probably why you hate the look of your psoriasis more now than before the surgery... So after beating about the bush in answer to your question in my opinion yes I think a psychiatrist can help. But I also think by coming here you have helped yourself.. You are now among a very friendly bunch of people with similar problems to you, who are always ready to talk. So never be alone there's always .... Well nearly always a friendly person here to talk with
Jim

[mataribot]

I know I am depressed. It's not so much how I look as it is in general. I get more anxiety than from trying to get the proper medication than anything disease related. I have stay clear from antidepressants due to the fact the SEs are similar to signs of autoimmune diseases.