Flu triggering depression
October 26, 2018 8:34 AM Subscribe
I'm on day 5 of the flu (despite getting vaccinated) and of course it sucks. The worst part is the toll it's taking on me psychologically. I know that the flu affects neurotransmitters in a big way and it's part of the package. What I don't know is how to deal with the depression that comes on when sickness zaps serotonin.
My main symptom of the flu has been exhaustion, with some bad headaches and body pain, feeling hot and having a slightly elevated temperature. Given that it's day 5, I know it's too late for a med like Tamiflu, and I'm not sure what doctors can do. I''m mostly concerned how this is impacting my mental health. I'm very depressed and I just had a meltdown because I thought I didn't like Beyonce enough. Plus the mounting housework and time away from projects.
I've read articles about how the flu can bring on depression. I'm already treated for bipolar II and very familiar with depression. Because of being bipolar, I'm usually steered away from serotogenic herbs (like Ashwagandha, St John's Wort, etc). I wrote to my psychiatrist but she's out right now.
So, what helps keep your psyche intact while your immune system is haywire? I've been going for incremental progress (brushing teeth, washing face), in addition to rest, fluids, Tylenol. But I can only sleep so much, and it sucks to be awake. Are there foods, supplements, anything that at least make you feel better psychologically until you recover completely?
My main symptom of the flu has been exhaustion, with some bad headaches and body pain, feeling hot and having a slightly elevated temperature. Given that it's day 5, I know it's too late for a med like Tamiflu, and I'm not sure what doctors can do. I''m mostly concerned how this is impacting my mental health. I'm very depressed and I just had a meltdown because I thought I didn't like Beyonce enough. Plus the mounting housework and time away from projects.
I've read articles about how the flu can bring on depression. I'm already treated for bipolar II and very familiar with depression. Because of being bipolar, I'm usually steered away from serotogenic herbs (like Ashwagandha, St John's Wort, etc). I wrote to my psychiatrist but she's out right now.
So, what helps keep your psyche intact while your immune system is haywire? I've been going for incremental progress (brushing teeth, washing face), in addition to rest, fluids, Tylenol. But I can only sleep so much, and it sucks to be awake. Are there foods, supplements, anything that at least make you feel better psychologically until you recover completely?
Best answer: I just went though this yesterday! I had depression like symptoms settle in after being alone for so long. Few ideas: had a friend come over and watch a movie with me, peppermint oil on my wrists was strangely very soothing, I journaled and wrote out my feelings, ginger tea, and simply knowing it was a side effect helped too. Even going outside for some fresh air and walking (when you’re feeling up for it) for ten min did wonders.
posted by treetop89 at 9:35 AM on October 26, 2018 [2 favorites]
posted by treetop89 at 9:35 AM on October 26, 2018 [2 favorites]
Best answer: I've been dealing with a really bad cold I got while in Japan so while it's not the flu it's been lasting and attacking like a flu. Oh boy do I feel you on this. I'm just now having my first days of feeling remotely functional and the hard reversion into my lifelong frenemy depression is gonna be an ass and a half to claw myself away from.
Some things that have helped me stay afloat and keep from crying:
- I got back after a transpacific plane flight to my house with my best friend and my cats. If you are alone right now, ask for company. Maybe company is just watching some movies with an online friend via rabbit? Maybe it's a friend's dog?
- I also asked my best friend to buy me: one big box of chicken broth, one container of precut mirepoix, one package of skinless boneless chicken breasts, parsley and garlic. We had half a bag of egg noodles in the pantry along with paprika, turmeric, celery seed, black pepper and bay leaf. I cooked myself a vast batch of chicken noodle soup with extra medicinal garlic and turmeric in it, but without the seven thousand years of cooking that a real carcass-based bone broth soup would demand. It's not quite grandma's love but it makes a big difference to me that I used the tiny amount of power I had in the early days of my sickness to provide for myself this kindness for the rest of the days. If there's a thing that you eat when you're sick, try to get it or make it from partially prepared ingredients. Put lots of garlic in it.
- I forced myself into the shower a bunch. I have sensory issues that make getting clean an extra hassle on good days. But the severity of this cold seemed to overwhelm those issues and made getting clean just as awful as staying gross, and it helped me feel like I could be present in a larger space - like, touching things, leaving my bed to be in my living room without getting germs all over the couch, and it helped the nasal congestion and muscle aches. You might find that there's something that helps you feel like you can exist in a larger space while ill, like maybe putting on fresh clothes? Or wiping down your torso with a warm cloth, or maybe even taking a bath if you have a nice one.
As for supplements or foods, I think that depression is a thorny fucking beast that's different for everyone. In my case I know that no supplement is actually going to do anything for the basic issue, but that I tend towards anemia and iron rich foods can really bounce me back. So I've allowed myself a lot of red meat and dark chocolate and eaten a lot of greens-heavy salads in between the chicken noodle soup. If you don't have a history of ED, eat what you feel like eating even if it's only a tiny whim.
posted by Mizu at 10:01 AM on October 26, 2018 [3 favorites]
Some things that have helped me stay afloat and keep from crying:
- I got back after a transpacific plane flight to my house with my best friend and my cats. If you are alone right now, ask for company. Maybe company is just watching some movies with an online friend via rabbit? Maybe it's a friend's dog?
- I also asked my best friend to buy me: one big box of chicken broth, one container of precut mirepoix, one package of skinless boneless chicken breasts, parsley and garlic. We had half a bag of egg noodles in the pantry along with paprika, turmeric, celery seed, black pepper and bay leaf. I cooked myself a vast batch of chicken noodle soup with extra medicinal garlic and turmeric in it, but without the seven thousand years of cooking that a real carcass-based bone broth soup would demand. It's not quite grandma's love but it makes a big difference to me that I used the tiny amount of power I had in the early days of my sickness to provide for myself this kindness for the rest of the days. If there's a thing that you eat when you're sick, try to get it or make it from partially prepared ingredients. Put lots of garlic in it.
- I forced myself into the shower a bunch. I have sensory issues that make getting clean an extra hassle on good days. But the severity of this cold seemed to overwhelm those issues and made getting clean just as awful as staying gross, and it helped me feel like I could be present in a larger space - like, touching things, leaving my bed to be in my living room without getting germs all over the couch, and it helped the nasal congestion and muscle aches. You might find that there's something that helps you feel like you can exist in a larger space while ill, like maybe putting on fresh clothes? Or wiping down your torso with a warm cloth, or maybe even taking a bath if you have a nice one.
As for supplements or foods, I think that depression is a thorny fucking beast that's different for everyone. In my case I know that no supplement is actually going to do anything for the basic issue, but that I tend towards anemia and iron rich foods can really bounce me back. So I've allowed myself a lot of red meat and dark chocolate and eaten a lot of greens-heavy salads in between the chicken noodle soup. If you don't have a history of ED, eat what you feel like eating even if it's only a tiny whim.
posted by Mizu at 10:01 AM on October 26, 2018 [3 favorites]
Best answer: Hey there, also BPII and have this response to the flu as well. I actually usually know it’s coming because of an onset of bad depression about 18 hours before I get symptoms.
The biggest thing for me in times like this is giving myself the permission to let myself be “sick” for a bit longer than someone who is not bipolar would be. I let the housework slack a bit, and as much as possible let employers know that I’m very under the weather (I work as a freelancer so this is hard sometimes). They don’t need to know that it’s a “compound” sickness, only that I’m very ill and am not going to be doing my best work for a bit.
Sitting on the floor in a very hot shower, just letting the water wash over me is a strategy I use. Also just getting out of the house to go get comfort food can help - I like to go down to Chinatown and get a bowl of Pho and put enough sriracha in it that I sweat profusely, the endorphins help.
I also like to play with LEGOs in a very structured way: turn the page, follow the instructions, turn the next page, rinse and repeat.
I really think overall the best thing is to let yourself be sick. Saying to yourself “I SHOULD be more resilient” just makes you feel worse. Don’t wallow, per se, but don’t think that you are “less-than” for not being able to handle it as well as an average bear (non-bipolar bear).
posted by aloiv2 at 10:09 AM on October 26, 2018 [5 favorites]
The biggest thing for me in times like this is giving myself the permission to let myself be “sick” for a bit longer than someone who is not bipolar would be. I let the housework slack a bit, and as much as possible let employers know that I’m very under the weather (I work as a freelancer so this is hard sometimes). They don’t need to know that it’s a “compound” sickness, only that I’m very ill and am not going to be doing my best work for a bit.
Sitting on the floor in a very hot shower, just letting the water wash over me is a strategy I use. Also just getting out of the house to go get comfort food can help - I like to go down to Chinatown and get a bowl of Pho and put enough sriracha in it that I sweat profusely, the endorphins help.
I also like to play with LEGOs in a very structured way: turn the page, follow the instructions, turn the next page, rinse and repeat.
I really think overall the best thing is to let yourself be sick. Saying to yourself “I SHOULD be more resilient” just makes you feel worse. Don’t wallow, per se, but don’t think that you are “less-than” for not being able to handle it as well as an average bear (non-bipolar bear).
posted by aloiv2 at 10:09 AM on October 26, 2018 [5 favorites]
Best answer: Nthing the suggestions above about allowing yourself to be warm, comfortable and safe as much as you can. There are also lots of links in this thread that I’m going to start working my way through and which seem very affirming about the reality of the direct link between physical and mental health. Knowing I’m not imagining it or malingering always makes me feel a little better.
posted by penguin pie at 10:28 AM on October 26, 2018 [1 favorite]
posted by penguin pie at 10:28 AM on October 26, 2018 [1 favorite]
Best answer: Small thing: electrolytes. Low potassium and magnesium will mess you up and it's easily fixed. Propel, Powerade, or Gatorade (sugar or diet versions, whatever your norm is) will do, if you have the means to get some higher-end supplements like LyteShow (which I use) or HyLyte or a dozen just like them, I can tell a difference from regular sports drinks.
posted by Lyn Never at 10:36 AM on October 26, 2018 [3 favorites]
posted by Lyn Never at 10:36 AM on October 26, 2018 [3 favorites]
My mantra for this is "Just ride it out." Compared to a depressive episode that comes out of the blue and sparks me to wonder if i’ll ever find my way back, an episode with a clear cause and even a built-in time limit always seems like a piece of cake.
So I read or watch TV or whatever, but when my psyche starts heading to an unwelcome place I remind myself :"Just ride it out."
posted by Tell Me No Lies at 7:58 PM on October 26, 2018 [3 favorites]
So I read or watch TV or whatever, but when my psyche starts heading to an unwelcome place I remind myself :"Just ride it out."
posted by Tell Me No Lies at 7:58 PM on October 26, 2018 [3 favorites]
It's frustrating when you're sick and tired of being sick and tired, but you just can't rush these things. The housework can wait. The chores aren't going anywhere (unless you delegate them!) Instead, work on being a friend to your body and give it the tools it needs to be comfortable while you wait this out.
A warm shower. Wear loose clothes, wrap a towel over your shoulders, maybe sit on a towel as well, and run a hot shower over your back and head. The warmth and moisture are comforting, the sound is soothing, and the clothes help keep your body heat in. Take it easy getting out of the shower, and don't slip. You may even need to rest on the floor afterwards. This is where I grab my husband's robe because I'm gonna be warm until I can get my strength back.
Warm, gooey foods. Use a lower power (4 instead of 10) and microwave some cut-up chunks of cheddar or Gouda cheese, just to the runny point. Eat in small bites, letting the warm food nestle into the back corner of the mouth to sooth the Eustachian tube on that side. Very soothing when swallowed.
Warm puddings, oatmeal, applesauce, etc. will also do the trick.
Warm soups and other liquids. Extra garlic or onion (powder or fresh) is a plus, as is extra salt. Spend some time breathing in the fumes of chicken soup, vegetable soup, broths, sauces, etc. Another vote for tea with lemon.
Warm compress. I've used the hot / cold reusable pads from the pharmacy, sticking them in the microwave and wrapping them in a dishcloth. Nice against a sore throat or swollen Eustachian tubes. Extra points for Vick's Vapor Rub on the throat and upper chest with a dry towel over it. Sinus headaches work better with just a warm damp washcloth over the eyes and forehead.
Soothing white noise and visual effects. Hooray for YouTube videos with an hour of nature sounds while watching a babbling brook or the waves rolling in at a seashore. Or listen to Christmas melodies while a blaze crackles in the fireplace. I just don't have energy to keep up with a plot or do anything creative. If I zone out, no big deal.
Kleenex. The type that does not irritate my nose after several days of sneezing and wheezing and general misery. Also Vaseline on sore nostrils as needed.
Neti, with just salted water and a hand. Seriously, this is a game-changer for me if I do this before my sinuses are clogged up.
posted by TrishaU at 11:44 PM on October 28, 2018
A warm shower. Wear loose clothes, wrap a towel over your shoulders, maybe sit on a towel as well, and run a hot shower over your back and head. The warmth and moisture are comforting, the sound is soothing, and the clothes help keep your body heat in. Take it easy getting out of the shower, and don't slip. You may even need to rest on the floor afterwards. This is where I grab my husband's robe because I'm gonna be warm until I can get my strength back.
Warm, gooey foods. Use a lower power (4 instead of 10) and microwave some cut-up chunks of cheddar or Gouda cheese, just to the runny point. Eat in small bites, letting the warm food nestle into the back corner of the mouth to sooth the Eustachian tube on that side. Very soothing when swallowed.
Warm puddings, oatmeal, applesauce, etc. will also do the trick.
Warm soups and other liquids. Extra garlic or onion (powder or fresh) is a plus, as is extra salt. Spend some time breathing in the fumes of chicken soup, vegetable soup, broths, sauces, etc. Another vote for tea with lemon.
Warm compress. I've used the hot / cold reusable pads from the pharmacy, sticking them in the microwave and wrapping them in a dishcloth. Nice against a sore throat or swollen Eustachian tubes. Extra points for Vick's Vapor Rub on the throat and upper chest with a dry towel over it. Sinus headaches work better with just a warm damp washcloth over the eyes and forehead.
Soothing white noise and visual effects. Hooray for YouTube videos with an hour of nature sounds while watching a babbling brook or the waves rolling in at a seashore. Or listen to Christmas melodies while a blaze crackles in the fireplace. I just don't have energy to keep up with a plot or do anything creative. If I zone out, no big deal.
Kleenex. The type that does not irritate my nose after several days of sneezing and wheezing and general misery. Also Vaseline on sore nostrils as needed.
Neti, with just salted water and a hand. Seriously, this is a game-changer for me if I do this before my sinuses are clogged up.
posted by TrishaU at 11:44 PM on October 28, 2018
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And herbal tea with honey and lemon. Treating the symptoms goes a long way, for me. Though I don’t know how much tea helps with exhaustion per see; but for me it’s kind of a signal that yeah, I feel crappy now but it will pass.
posted by eirias at 8:44 AM on October 26, 2018 [1 favorite]