From J D Faccinetti, cofounder – Sharing experiences can provide tremendous support to others dealing with similar issues. The simple fact of knowing you are not alone is very helpful and reassuring.
Every so often we ask our readers about their experiences in dealing with pituitary disease. The last one-question survey about the diagnosis process experience generated hundreds of responses and insights. Read the report here.
Today, we are asking a new question dealing with emotional and mental health factors affecting pituitary disease. While we know not everyone is affected by these issues, we want to learn more about these experiences. You can click here to start the survey
The comments we often hear describe anxiety, mood fluctuations, depression, and cognitive difficulties, tensions with relationships, short temper, anger and even suicidal thoughts. Many people comment how weight gain/loss and changes in physical appearance affected them emotionally.
Experts tell us depression, anxiety (excessive worry/fears/panic), memory difficulties, anger/rage, cognitive changes (problems remembering, getting confused, difficulties tracking, even suicidal thoughts) can all lead to problems in relationships (marriage or intimate partner tensions; parent-child; work-related difficulties) that can lead to divorce, job loss, isolation and estrangements.
Please click on the link below to access the survey:
http://pwnmentalhealth.questionpro.com
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Please do not say “even” suicidal thoughts. Suicidal ideation is a common symptom of depression, which itself is a symptom of pituitary disease. Most people with suicidal ideation are never at risk of killing themselves. However, when we don’t know what is wrong, we hate ourselves for having these suicidal and other thoughts, to the point that we would like to kill ourselves to just get away from the pain! It’s not that we want to kill ourselves; it’s that we’re sick. It’s not different than fatigue or any other symptom for most of us, and it is very common. I have lived with for 30 years, no pill has ever helped and now that I am recently diagnosed with Isolated ACTH Deficiency and being treated, my suicidal ideation is much better, because my depression is getting better. But regardless of the reason why you have depression, it is not respectful to refer to suicidal ideation as though it an extreme circumstance. Referring to it that way compounds the feeling that if one has suicidal thoughts one is strange, alienated and why can’t we just get it together!
Marion, thank you so much for being involved and sharing your perspectives and insights. The dialogue is extremely helpful to all of us! Kindest regards, JD