Steroids worsening depression?

Wonkylegs

Just wondered if any of you have experienced worsening of anxiety and depression when taking steroids.

This happened to me when I was given monthly steroid injections a few years back, so I never have them.

Last year I had a 5 day course of Prednisolone (60mg daily) and that made me think I was losing my mind, but was bearable because it was a short course only.

Now I am back on Pred, but only 10mg a day, and I thought I'd be ok.
Had a really bad day today :shock: and I do think the steroids might be partly to blame. Trouble is they are helping the joints and the rash :roll:

I have to go back to see my GP if things get worse, and we'll wean me off the pred gradually, so I've got at least 3 more weeks on them whatever happens.

just interested in how others manage this and juggling arthur too?

thanks a lot
WOnky

valval

hi can not help just wanted to leave you a hug

val

Wonkylegs

thanks Val ..... just what I needed

have a hug back ((((()))))) (sorry not got my crayons out tonight )

wonky xx

valval

do not worry the thought that counts val

dvaidr

I've had steroids in the past and they didn't have this effect on me. I sometime get down for a couple of weeks at a time, but I think it's just due to the constant pain and feeling poorly most of the time. I still work full-time which isn't easy either and come the weekend, I'm wiped out. This also has an effect, I think since the quality of life is almost zero. When we do go out anywhere, (recently went to the theatre to see Wicked), I don't really enjoy it.

dreamdaisy

Oh wonky, I am so sorry. Steroids are powerful things and not always in a good way. Joint injections never worked for me, the daily pills do. I have just reduced to 10mg per day and I know it isn't enough but long-term health has to be considered too. This has had a lowering effect - I am an unusually glum DD at the mo - but I can't place the blame for that just on the steroids. The previous poster made a good point: we are dealing daily with pain and difficulty and that doesn't help. Chat to your doctor, you may be able to have a mild anti-depressant as well. Right, brace yourself: (()). DD

suzster

hi wonky,
i'm on pred at the moment. was on 15mg daily but now down to 10mg. i found it effected my mood a lot. but i don't think it made my depression worse but it badly effected my temper. i seem to get angry quicker and really have to keep it in check. i get wound up easily and when i feel myself getting angry i go outside or away from the situation. my dr told me this was a normal reaction when on steroids.
does that help you at all?
sue

salamander

hi Wonky, I'm in a very similar position to you vis a vis drugs. I find higher doses of steroids really affect my mood, making me depressed and emotional. I've been told by gp and nurses they do cause this to happen. It helps to know it is the drugs and not you, well, it does for me. Factor in illness and pain and you can have a volatile cocktail. Don't blame yourself as that won't help.
take care

Wonkylegs

thanks everyone. I appreciate your comments.

I am already on antidepressants ..... top dose I can have ..... so have to manage this other ways. That's why it is hard.

I'll get there though.

WOnky

dreamdaisy

That makes it harder then doesn't it? What about meditation or relaxation exercises? COuld they help? I too am on 10mg per day and struggling with the pain, which has increased in relation to the decrease of pred. Grrrrrrr. (That's for both of us). DD

frogmorton

Hi Wonky

I think the d*mn things CAN do that

poor poor Wonky

I cant help but have a HUGE hug from me too

(((((())))))

Love Toni xx

skezier

Hi Wonky,

I think they are able to do that as well. I wish I could say something useful but leaving you a ((((( ))))) and a bucket of hopes. Cris xx

salamander

Hi wonky, everyone keeps telling me about meditation and mindfulness as a way of coping with illness and depression/stress. Am going to look into to it as certainly need something to keep me on the straight and narrow! I'll let you know if I come across anything useful!
take care and be kind to yourself.
xx

annie_mial

Wonky, I know that steroids can cause depression, I'm sure it's listed as a side effect - but it's the complete opposite of the problem I (and others) get which is steroid euphoria. That's also one of the side-effects!

Those of us who swing from the chandeliers and clomp across ceilings d*mn the steroids just as much - but I think we have the better half.

I've been longing to meet someone who gets both side effects - do they cancel each other out?

Annie

woodbon

Hi, I'm sorry you feel depressed I know how horrible it can be. I can't help you with information about steriods, as I don't know, but its possible and the pain you've had too can have that effect. I hope it gets easier soon. Lots of love Suexxx

barbara12

Hello Wonky
I am so sorry I cant help on the meds, just want you to know you can always talk to us lot.
And sending you loads of hugs ((((((((()))))))
Love
Barbara xx

Wonkylegs

annie_mial wrote:

I've been longing to meet someone who gets both side effects - do they cancel each other out?

Annie

not in my experience Annie :roll: because I'm feeling low and anxious, whilst also not being able to sleep or sit still :shock: which is a tad annoying as the arthur bits of me need resting :roll:


thanks everyone for all your comments .... I'm between a rock and a hard place at the moment, but i'm not going to let it beat me. I have lots of things I've been taught to do, but they are not always easy to do or work .... but I'm trying all I can do

hugs to you all
WOnky

salamander

Annie, I have both the euphoria and the emotional stuff too. It's really hard Wonky because even when you know it's the drugs it is very hard to get a handle on. Been there myself as you know.
xx

skezier

Hi Wonky,

Just topping up your hug bucket ((((( ))))) an slurps and a hope it will stabilise soon. Cris xx

Wonkylegs

thanks

been a better day today .... working hard at keeping positive where I can.

hopefully tomorrow will be even better.

WOnky

dorcas

these are for you Wonky

I know flowers always make me feel better no matter how I'm feeling or how hard things get.... so I hope they do the same for you. X

love and (((hugs))) and hopes for you for a good weekend.

Iris xxx

skezier

Hi Wonky,

Don't forget to use the stuff you learned on your course as well though.

Leaving you these and this manky bunch are leaving you along with so many hopes you have a good night and tomorrow will fell better.

I am also leaving you a box to put all the junk and sadness into for a bit. I will keep it for you if you like? Love ((((( ))))) and slurps Cris xx

marion1952

Hello Wonky

Only just caught up with your thread...

Glad to see that you are feeling a bit better today..

Marion x

Wonkylegs

Thanks Iris, Cris & marion

had a rough night but slept all morning

been out for a walk this afternoon.
now I'm tinter net shopping

Cris - we'll do a swap shall we ... your box for mine great plan I haven't forgotten ...... been talking to myself (I know, first sign .... ) and I am goign with the flow for a bit.

hope you all have a good weekend. Autumn is here but colours are lovely aren't they?

hugs
Wonky

barbara12

Hi Wonky
This is just for you, thought you would like it sending you loads of hugs (((((((()))))))
love
Barbara xxx

skezier

Hi Wonky,

A swap... now there is a good idea You be guardian of the box of my worries and fears and I shall keep yours... Its a good one the box.... mine is like a letter box and there is no key

Leaving you very worn out ((((( ))))) and a huge bucket of slurps and hopes. Cris xx