Hi gr8ful. Before I got sick I was a nurse. Side effects of medications can definitely cause malaise and a blunted affect. But I also feel like the heaviness of chronic illness can also just be too much sometimes. We shut down so to speak, in order to protect ourselves from the emotional pain of this journey. I have definitely experienced times, many recently, where I feel very apathetic. The frustration of my limitations can be overwhelming and I just kinda shut down... Just want to shut it all off in an attempt to feel nothing for awhile. So for you, it could be the meds, but also could be a bit of both. Ask yourself if you have felt overwhelmed by your illness, if you just want to escape.
I also take an antidepressant. Life is just too hard without it. So don't feel guilty because you need some extra help. But if the side effects are too much for you, then you might want to discuss with your Dr a different dosage or a different antidepressant. **Always talk to your Dr before changing dosages or stopping antidepressants.**

Wishing you all the best.

One more thought. Try engaging in an activity that you really enjoy. Examine how it makes you feel. Does joy rise up? Or is it hard to feel? Although depression itself can make it hard to feel joy, this could also indicate that it could be the meds.

gr8ful,
I wouldn't trust most of the antidepressants. Read up on the side effects and what they can do. I've seen too many people go from feeling and having a hard time to not feeling a thing and going through life like a zombie. I realize some people do need a little help but I would rather feel some pain and struggle than to lie to myself and others and go through life with the inability to enjoy it when I do have the good days.
Sometimes I think we just have to find something that gives us that strength and encouragement to fight harder and strive longer.

do you mean lack of motivation and or fatigue? the answer is the disease and pain cause fatigue and complete wipe out. you are completely normal until you become sad and cannot get out of bed which is depression. It is a difficult distinction to make. Talking with your doctors, family and friends is beneficial to determine whether you are fatigued from disease or depressed.

@A MyChronicPainTeam Member
Yes, but I remember having it before all this - from being overwhelmed, under-rested, and stressed. I think it is more tied to the process of pain somehow, maybe through the taxed, stress response.

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I think there are some excellent answers to you question. I particularly liked what nurse @A MyChronicPainTeam Member had to say.

I think it is normal to have some level of apathy, when living with chronic pain. I also assume there there are different levels of apathy, as life can be difficult. Why do we want to be concerned about other things when we hurt so much?

All that being said, I think it is important to have some social life and/or interesting things that keep you occupied during the day. Everyone has different things that are helpful for them and finding the right one is essential. There is lots of info about how important socialization is to everyone. It is especially true in the senior community, were some tend to isolate.

Jean

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