This Is MS Multiple Sclerosis Community: Knowledge & Support

Family history of depression and recently a sibling has been diagnosed with depression.
I'm feeling very upset about this and I've been going over and over things in my head since. I had to give up work 2 years ago, very reluctantly, but I could no longer manage to work fulltime because of MS fatigue but I am in quite good shape otherwise. Fatigue is my most disabling symptom. I am 37 and a pensioner and I think it's only hitting me now, the sadness over being a pensioner so young.

I am now starting to question if my fatigue is due to MS or due to depression? Once I had that thought I started to feel really upset. I can't stop thinking that maybe I gave up work unesscessarily. Don't know if it's all just a delayed reaction to my circumstances or if I'm really just getting a bout of depression too.
Does anyone else have any thoughts on this?

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Concussus Resurgo
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RR-MS dx 1998 and Coeliac dx 2003
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Copaxone, Cymbalta. EPO, Fish Oils, Vitamin D3 2000 IU daily, Cal/Mag/Zinc, Multivitamin/mineral, Co-Enzyme Q10, Probiotics, Milk Thistle.

Can't help you on that, but what if you think its depression then tell your GP your depressed and take some pills. SSRIs (selective serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors) . A relationship between depression and cardiac disease has been found, if you take these type of tablets then if your depressed you will feel 'better'. The bright side is you will also be protecting yourself from any heart attacks etc too.
If it is fatigue though, you most likely won't notice a difference.
Just a thought from someone who has spent the last four days writing an essay on depression and its link to cardio vascular problems-so feel free to ignore my rubbish advice:-)

Wonderfulworld -- As an old friend, I offer just these few thoughts:

Having to give up your job two years ago was a major lifestyle change. People seem to tie their worth to their life's work or career; human beings have much more value than simply "what they do for a living." Being forced into retirement, by health problems or the economic condition, requires a major adjustment!

Sadness over life's events, or even genuine depression, is understandable. It is difficult to find positive aspects in a situation over which we have no control. I KNOW you can find those positives in your life; the BIG one has to be the time you have with your child.

But if we make the assumption of a genuine depression, have you researched the possibility of a high cortisol level? This is often implicated in depression. I have heard very positive reports of people who improve this condition (and also Seasonal Affective Disorder -- SAD) with full spectrum light therapy (this resets the circadian clock and lowers the cortisol level) -- something as simple as using a light box for 20 to 30 minutes per day. Perhaps this would make a difference for you?

My prayers and best wishes are with you.