What?s Causing My Depression and Fatigue?

Chronic Fatigue and Chronic Depression are absolutely systemic in our society today. Recent studies done by the AMA and CMA purport one in four people in North America are suffering from some form of chronic fatigue or depression and it's expected eight out of ten of us will experience similar afflictions in our lifetime. But numbers like these don't speak to the cause and only tell half the story.

In June of this year, my new book entitled, "Until You've Walked the Path" hit the bookstores. In it, I chronicle my own real life battle and recovery from CFS [Chronic Fatigue Syndrome]. I am pleased to say that from the responses I've received, the book has touched many people in a positive way, both those suffering from the disease, as well as caregivers, looking for new ways to aid the afflicted.

In conversations about CFS, the one question I am asked the most is, "What's causing My [their] chronic depression and fatigue?" Followed by, "Is it just stress?"

I'll admit I am not a doctor and have no medical training, however, I have done a fair bit of research over the last decade and I am a real CFS Survivor. That said, it is my belief there are three fundamental 'Camps' if you will, that can cause depression or fatigue and it is absolutely essential to determine what camp you are in to expedite speedy recovery.

Camp #1: CFIDS [Chronic Fatigue Immune Dysfunction Syndrome]

CFIDS is the new acronym for most immune dysfunctional disorders which covers a broad base of causes and outcomes. More specifically, the factors that can bring on CFS are viral. In my case I was diagnosed with the Epstein-Barr Virus [EBV]. Another common virus known to cause CFS is the ME Virus [Myalgic Encephalomyelitis]. An outcome associated with CFS sufferers is Fibromyalgia; an excruciatingly painful disease that effects all the muscles and joints in the body.

I could go on but the important point to understand is that most of what causes 'Real' Chronic Fatigue Syndrome is most often viral. These viruses attack the immune system causing acute un-wellness, fatigue and depression. Stress is another immune-weakening phenomenon and is often a major cause for CFS. On the other hand, motivators like post viral infection ? as it was in my case ? is known to be much of the cause because of the damaging consequences it can affect to an otherwise healthy immune system. One outcome is Depression and Fatigue.

Camp #2: Mood Disorders

Mood disorders are perhaps easier for most people to understand. Not the diseases themselves but rather the fact that there are commonly known diseases like: By-Polar, Manic-Depression and Schizophrenia, to name but three. We all know they can cause behavioral ? often unpredictable -changes in those afflicted. Another outcome is Depression and Fatigue.

Camp #3: Substance Abuse

Whether it's drugs or alcohol, [prescribed or otherwise], many people fall victim to their affects that over time, can clearly evolve into conditions of un-wellness.

Stress-relief is often the reason for those who use drugs and alcohol on a regular basis and one need not be addicted to experience many of the health deteriorations that ultimately come about. Another outcome, of course, is Depression and Fatigue.

By now you may be seeing a bit of an assertion I am making in this article which now compels me to make two important points:

1. Depression and Fatigue can be outcomes from many different motivators.

2. It is critical for sufferers to seek out immediate professional help in determining precisely what is causing their fatigue and depression.

I have seen too many people needlessly wither away with diseases like these, never getting the right help. Many of them try to hide their problem and shrink into the shadows because it's not a glamorous disease and for the most part, is still a little misunderstood ? even by many in the medical field.

My advice is to find the right medical specialist who deals specifically with what's causing your fatigue and depression. Understand that no doctor can be a specialist at everything and that the medicine, treatment and care for someone with Schizophrenia would be entirely different from what's required to treat someone with substance abuse or a viral infection. The specialist would be just as different.

It's also vitally important for those afflicted and caregivers alike to know that there is a short window of opportunity in getting diseases like these under control. That is to say, from my observation and experience, the longer one goes without proper diagnosis and treatment, the harder it is and less likely it is, recovery can be achieved.

Chronic Depression and Fatigues is not something one chooses to have and treatments like "Suck it up soldier!" or love deprivation do not work. Ignoring it works even less.

The Bottom Line:

What's causing Your Depression and Fatigue could be many things. You need to align yourself with the right specialist, the right medication and the right treatment As Soon As Possible!

The good news? You can recover from it and you can triumph over it! I am living proof.

About The Author

Paul Shearstone is President of The CFIDS Foundation of Canada Inc. He is an International Keynote Speaker, Author, Writer, Motivation, Corporate Ethics, Sales, Time & Stress Management Specialist.

Paul enlightens and challenges audiences as he informs motivates and entertains.

To comment on this article or to book Paul for your next successful event we invite to contact Paul Shearstone directly @ 416-728-5556 or 1-866-855-4590 www.success150.com or paul@success150.com.

For more information and how to order Paul's new book, "Until You've Walked the Path" please visit www.paulshearstone.ca

"Every day millions of people struggle valiantly with the pain of CFIDS and Depression... the very real physical pain and the excruciating psychic pain of the soul. Paul gives both voice and face to their pain. More importantly, he gives expression to their courage, resilience, and valour. By his account of his own remarkable journey, he gives hope to the millions of others who are still on theirs".

Karen Liberman

Executive Director

Mood Disorders Association of Ontario

paul@paulshearstone.ca

---

Depression in Long Term Care Heart Patients Often Goes Untreated

Cardiologists, other doctors and long term care staff might be... Read More

Biological Psychiatry Confirms of Efficacy and Safety of VNS Therapy for Depression

The September 1, 2005 issue of Biological Psychiatry confirmed the... Read More

Vagus Nerve Stimulation as a Treatment for Depression to be Launched in May

Final FDA approval of vagus nerve stimulation as a therapy... Read More

Seven Steps to Good Mental Health

Psychological well-being is something that we all have a right... Read More

More Than You Can Handle?

There's a dangerous illness afflicting women everywhere across the nation.... Read More

When Your Mind Develops A Mind Of Its Own

We've all been there? One minute your listening intently as... Read More

Depression is the Number One Cause of Disability in the United States

According to the World Health Organization, 4 of the 10... Read More

Your Daily Struggle With Depression

If you have been diagnosed with depression or feel that... Read More

Antidepressants: Control or Cure?

What's curious is that most of them will be on... Read More

Neuromodulation Is Now The Mainstream Therapy For Chronic Depression

The cover of the March 7, 2005 issue of Business... Read More

FDA Approves Vagus Nerve Stimulation as a Treatment for Depression

On July 15th, 2005, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration(FDA)... Read More

Depression Treatment: Depression Would Be Second Largest Illness by 2010!

World Health Organisation states one out of four worldwide suffer... Read More

Quick Steps To Improve Your Mood

Looking to improve your mood?Edward W. Smith, motivational speaker, author... Read More

What Is God Thinking?

What can you say to a parent who loses a... Read More

Suicide Prevention: 12 Universal Laws

The Law of PermanenceSuicide is always a permanent solution to... Read More

What About Drugs for Anxiety and Depression?

As a counselor, I am often asked, "Can drugs be... Read More

Psychiatrist Begin Training About Vagus Nerve Stimulation for Depression

The manufacturer of the vagus nerve stimulator has begun face-to... Read More

Turn Depression into Joy

Depression is the most prevalent disease of our time. Under... Read More

I Love You, I Hate You But Dont Go: Understanding Borderline Personality Disorder

It amazes me that 6-10 million Americans have been diagnosed... Read More

Depression Series: Why Don?t I Respond to Medications? (Part 1)

Maria has been feeling depressed for at least two and... Read More

7 Things You Can Do Immediately To Ease Depression

1. Get out now and walk fifteen minutes. It will... Read More

How to Get Rid of Your Worries: 5 Golden Rules and a Warning

Suresh was a worried person when he came to me... Read More

Cure Against Depression and Low Self Confidence

Depression strikes most of us and it can make us... Read More

New Treatment for Depression to be Presented at the American Psychiatric Association Annual Meeting

Within the next few weeks, the FDA is expected to... Read More

Natural Remedies For Depression

It is true that forms of depression cannot be avoided,... Read More

Vagus Nerve Stimulation and Depression

Vagus Nerve Stimulation for Chronic or Treatment-Resistant Depression About Vagus... Read More

It Aint Easy Being Brave

A zoo attendant entered a lion cage carrying only a... Read More

Everyday I have the Blues: A Medical Intuitive look at Depression

It may come in waves, it may control our lives.... Read More

The Patients Guide to Vagus Nerve Stimulation and Depression

INTRODUCTION Everybody has a story. My... Read More

ADHD and Depression -- More Common Than Thought

"Thanks for Noticin' Me" says Eeyore. He walks slowly. He... Read More

New FDA Approved Therapy for Depression: Timeline from Prescription to Procedure

On July 18, 2005, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration(FDA)... Read More

Antidepressants 101- What You Absolutely Need to Know

IntroductionChange in social and economical states throughout the world although... Read More

Depression - Causes and Treatments

Depression has long been considered a character flaw indicative of... Read More