This is the fourth post in our series discussing the Kubler-Ross Five Stages of Grief model as it applies to chronic illness.

Did you know that research has found a link between neuro degenerative disease and major depressive disorder (MDD)? It’s true! This study focused on Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s and Huntington’s diseases. It is still an interesting hypothesis that can apply to Hypertrophic Olivary Degeneration (HOD) as well. According to HODA’s patient registry, about 74% of participants report that they experience depression. In fact, many of us have opted to seek help with the depression through prescribed medication. There tends to be a stigma around depression medication. I am here to attest that there is absolutely no shame in using medication to help get parts of your life back.

I, too, let the stigma get to me about a year in to taking my prescribed depression medication. My doctor and I discussed me getting off of the medication, and worked out a safe plan to ween off. It became evident very quickly that I was in no way capable of handling the gargantuan feelings that the reality of my diagnoses brought to me. I chose to not be sour about it. Instead, I was deep in gratitude that I tried. As a bonus, I proved to myself that this was a necessary tool for me to continue to use to help me keep my life on track.

It was then that I truly decided that there was no shame in seeking help instead of white-knuckling the problem. Will it ever go away? Anything is possible. For now though, I choose to rely on my medication. It aids me in dealing with the heavy feelings of this new(ish) existence.

Why Is Depression a Given With a Big (And Chronic) Diagnosis?

Imagine my surprise when I told my doctor that I thought I was depressed and she immediately agreed with me. It was later that I found out that I had received another diagnosis, this time it was MDD. Surprisingly, it is well known amongst physicians that depression and chronic illness. It makes a lot of sense, and seems intuitive. When your concept of life is shaken to the core, of course we will feel hopeless about the future. Through the power of medication and therapy, we don’t have to stay depressed. This is fantastic news!

It is so common that there is, in fact, a specific ICD Code for this very occurrence. HODA has been working to receive a distinct ICD Code for HOD. We can attest to just how difficult it is to gain an ICD Code, so that must mean something! What it means to me is that this is such a common comorbidity that it merited its own code. That speaks volumes. Depression and Chronic Illness are like hand in glove.

Great…So What Can We Do About It?

The first step in any journey is to admit that there is a problem. It took me a while to admit that I couldn’t speak about any of my health concerns without breaking down into an ugly cry and a river of tears. Of course, I know now that everyone around me was just waiting for me to ask for help. The next step is to ask for help. Once you admit it to yourself, then you need to begin discussions with your physician. In my experience, they are more willing to help than to issue any kind of judgment against you. The good news is that most folks do indeed feel for you and desperately want to help you!

After medication (or other avenues to help get the depression controlled) is sought, it may be time to seek a therapist’s help. Unpacking the grief can be a tricky situation. Why not recruit a professional who is trained to help you through this hard time? HODA always recommends finding a therapist who is experienced in grief and chronic illness. It may be comforting to know that you may not gel with your first or even fifth therapist. However, it is important to keep trying. You will eventually find the right fit!