Is Depression Normal With Ptsd?

[Cat Herder]

I'm depressed as hell. I heard that's normal with PTSD. Is it?

 

[Core]

Yes, it is. I hope you find something that can help you a bit, and feel better soon.

 

[WillyKat]

Yes. For many years, I thought of myself as having a depression problem. It's only in the past few months that I've really accepted the PTSD diagnosis.

Welcome to the forum. You'll find lots of us here that have depression issues, like me for example, right now.

 

[Finding Shawna]

For many years, I thought of myself as having a depression problem. It's only in the past few months that I've really accepted the PTSD diagnosis

I'm still having difficulty accepting my diagnosis. I've suffered from depression for years.

 

[WillyKat]

In my case, late last year, I told my therapist that I felt it would be best to call it what it is: PTSD. At first, she thought I was talking about what code to put on the insurance form she gives me at the end of each month. I told her that was not why; I just felt it wiser to accept that as the diagnosis and to stop trying to force the polygonal shape of my symptoms into a nice round hole called "depression". She didn't agree or disagree, but the insurance forms now have 309.81 (or whatever it is) on them.

 

[Cat Herder]

All I know is the situation that caused me to relapse is over now. No longer anxious but very depressed.

 

[maddog]

I was symptomatic for depression long long before I was symptomatic for PTSD. In fact I have been most likely clinically depressed for my entire adult life, though only diagnosed at age 28, shortly before the PTSD diagnosis.

Thesedays the depression ebbs and flows, sometimes in tandem with the severity of PTSD, sometimes not. I actually believe I have most to fear from depression, because it is when I am very depressed that I lack the energy, motivation, and overall capacity to take care of myself and my PTSD the way Ineed to.

Maddog

 

[InHell11]

I had depression for quite a while before the PTSD, like most of my childhood, I am quite sure the PTSD certainly didn't decrease it. I would imagine PTSD could likely contribute to depression even if one develops PTSD first.

 

[Sara1999]

I have a history of bipolar disorder, and I have always spent MUCH more time depressed than manic. Even as the mania has been controlled over the last 8 or so years, depression has continued to be an on and off problem.

However, my depression was under control prior to the trauma last year. Now the depression has taken control of me again. The doctors and counselors I have spoken with all seem to agree that PTSD can lead to depression all on its own, but having a pre-existing mood disorder does make the PTSD harder to treat. So yes, depression is normal. And if you have had episodes of depression in the past, PTSD can make depression worse, and depression can make PTSD worse. It's a tough cycle. I hope you are getting some help with the depression.

 

[Lucycat]

Depression is certainly part of PTSD. However it does not mean you have to accept it. It can still be successfully treated.

In my case following a crisis, my GP diagnosed me with depression and I had to argue that I was actually not depressed - just distressed. She did not get it and even when I very rapidly felt better - within a week - she still argued that it was depression.

However that is by the by. It sounds as if you are depressed and clearly you know you best.
I hope you have discussed this with a professional so that you can start some effective treatment very soon.
I want you to start feeling better.

 

[Pencil]

I suffered from major depression between the ages of 11 - 16. I was only diagnosed with PSTD much later, and still later with complex trauma.

 

[surviving_it_all]

Yesterday, I was triggered. The first thing that came to my mind this morning is "Don't move. Go back to bed." I feel this need to isolate myself right now. I get depressed about symptoms all the time. It know its a big part of my PTSD. To get myself out of bed and out of my room, I am going to have to get myself to do some grounding techniques.