Posted by Cindy Ramirez on November 18, 2009 at 7:53am
I was just interested in knowing the way depression affects each of us. As a child even though at times the Vitiligo complex would come up I really don't remember feeling complete depression or even dwelling on the Vitiligo for long periods of time. Now it's a completely different story. Sometimes the depression becomes unbearable. I've heard cases of people who have become completely isolated and dont leave their home and also suicide thoughts and attempts. Is the depression different for those of us who have Vitiligo if we are in a relationship or single? for those of us who have been diagnosed as children and others who didn't develop Vitiligo until they were adults? Men ? Woman ? Has anyone been to a psychiatrist because of depression from vitiligo? Any input will be helpful :)
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I just want to say again.........please do not let treatment be your focus! While we can all hope that one day there will be a cure, for the time being there is not. Everytime you try something new and it is unsuccessful your depression increases. The fact that you are continually looking for a cure leads me to believe that somewhere, maybe in the back of your head, you are thinking that there is something "wrong" with you. There is nothing "wrong" with any of us. We may look different. We have good days and bad day just like anyone else. I just want you all to know that you are wonderful and perfect just they way you are. I dont live with Vitiligo........Vitiligo has to live with me!!!!!!!!
Life is all about adjustment. I have vit for almost 20 years now. I'm in the stage right now that I accepted it as a part of my life. I just shake my head when I think how my vitiligo is spreading and its visible on my face and hands and is doesn't bother me the way it affected me emotionally when I was diagnosed. Back then I barely had vitiligo and it devastated me. I was depressed, suicidal, can't concentrate on what I'm doing. Always blame vitiligo for everything that is happening to me. I even cursed God for giving me this. Those were the dark days. My vitiligo is very slow but presently its spreading and very visible on my face and hands. I have a very supportive family and friends. Mr. Randy K is right about not worrying about it coz it could be worse. It could be other things thats terminal where you can die the next day. I matured on it and adjusted to it and see things diffrently now. I just look on the positive side of it and thats where I go. Don't get me wrong I still have my bad days but its more on better days. So friends just hang in there, pray, and just live life. God Bless.
Hi Cindy, I have delt with depression on and off most of my life. When i developed vitiligo a few years back it made my depression worse and when it spread to my face i had times where i felt suicidle and every comment i heard from a stranger or relative or friend about my face deeply hurt. After getting treatment for my vitiligo I also saw a phyciatrist for depression, took medication for awhile for my anxiety and sought out a therapist. I am a much happier person now because of it and i think part of the healing process for vitiligo is dealing with the emotional part of it . Everbody copes with life diferrintly and if you think that you need to seek help of professional i would totally go for it. It takes a courages person to seek out help when they are struggling. good luck
i was 17 when i noticed a spot on my right leg , at the time i couldn't care less about it .. ..with time i got to know it more ... my situation got only worse. as a teenager forced f to deal with vitiligo my mind really couldn't handle it , but with treatment , family support and hope things got better , my life was back on track i traveled some places, dated a girl and went to college ..i mean i lived a normal life.
few months ago i graduated . during my time in the uni i v dealt with vitiligo in my own ways ..i had ups and downs ..but things were not that bad .... till three months ago ,when vitiligo started to surface on my face , it seems that all my scary thought are coming true ..and sometimes i only have one question , why me ??!
all i can think about is scary thoughts , i only wish one thing ..i dont want vitiligo on my face ..i dont care about my hands,body ,legs ..i i just dont want it on my face ... i really cant deal with it anymore ...!
Hi everyone, I've been in therapy since May for various issues, one of the main ones being Vitiligo.
I was diagnosed as a child at 4-5 and my parents were told that there was nothing that could be done at that time and not to worry about it. I went through years of my skin de-pigmenting and re-pigmenting itself without any treatment. For the most part I could keep it hidden with clothes but was teased a lot on the spots that couldn't be hidden.
When I started college my skin started rapidly de-pigmenting. I was devastated when it spread to my face and wore makeup to cover it up for about two years but the spreading continued and at that point I felt like I could no longer keep it hidden. At that time I remember seeking some help for treatment but the only options that were given to me at that time were re-pigmentation and I was told that
I have always had issues with eating disorders and as it spread, I turned to food for comfort. By the time I graduated I had gone up at least four sizes and was about 60% de-pigmented.
After graduation I moved to another state and had a very difficult time finding a job. After months of job searching, I ran out of money and had to move back home. At that time I really felt defeated and was fully depressed. I became agoraphobic and did attempt suicide at that time.
As I wasn't given a lot of information regarding Vitiligo when initially diagnosed I had no idea about the warning signs for thyroid disorders and soon after returning home I was exhibiting classic symptoms of Graves Disease. It took two years after returning home for me to be diagnosed with Graves Disease. When I was diagnosed I was in such terrible shape that I had surpassed options for treatment of Graves Disease and was given treatments to save my life. They told me in the emergency room that the only thing that saved me was my age because I was young, had I been older I would have quickly died from congestive heart failure.
It's been a roller coaster ride from then and I'm now 99.9% de-pigmented. I have three small spots of natural pigment left.
Vitiligo has affected every aspect of my life but at the same time I know that I let it. From being teased as a kid, looking for a job, dating, even seeking medical treatment for when I was dying. Also, being de-pigmented brings on a new set of issues as I still see myself as spotted. Through therapy I have addressed a lot of these issues and it has really helped a lot.
You know, Cindy, I think age is very important together with self esteem and having good friends around you. We must also be able to look around us... I have two friends fighting against cancer...I don't dare to complain about my "new colour" when I think about them. Of course we have our moments... I test my strength every summer when I wear my small dresses and my biquinis, and I'm not happy about my skin everyday. But I'm old enough to know my true value (more or less) so...I also found out that children don't bother about your skin colour wich is a nice thing. I hope my english was clear to you!!!
This is an interesting topic.Mental health issues that persist can set us way back,keep us from interaction and isolation. Sometimes I find myself alone thinking/looking for an answer or solution.I get into a loop of repeating the question or using my own answer to justify my sorrow/guilt/doubt.Which is self serving and one way to that path of denial. I have had bouts of depression off and on but I have an awesome support system and sharing my everyday problems with my wife and daughter that keep me from falling.Sharing your problems is one thing but sharing the problems that hurt you is another.Feeling sorry for myself is probably one of my weakest issues or anyone's for that matter.That is a one way trip to depression and self doubt. Find a support system of your own.What triggers your depression,the buttons that people push or the the wide open door you leave open for hurtful insults?
Set yourself a goal everyday and follow through,even if it a small task or event i.e. basketball game,movies something to keep you motivated.
Cindy,taking the courage to ask about depression is a huge step.
This is a very important topic for me. I can't summarize in short, will do my best. .
I am a father of a girl who has the condition. My daughter was diagnosed with this conditon about 2 years ago. The initial onset of this condition in our family and combination of few reasons (our first derm was LOUSY, no experience with Vit conditon. plus, lack of knowledge where to look for info etc etc.) threw me into depresson for almost 6 months ago. I kept imagining, what if she gets on the entire body ? What kind of life she needs to go thru during school, during college, during teenage, this that....what will people stay to her.....will she get married ? ..no end tomy imagination. That was bad on myside. In summary, I became a patient, imagining myself. The "Unkown" drained me. The negativity around Vitiligo, there is NO CURE, truly brought my energy down. Prior to that, depression was NEVER in my dictionary, I was always full of energy. I certainly, sufferred silrently, every day, every hour, every minute. I kept it to myself and did not publicize to others. (Now, I do not recommend this style).
Life changed slowly but surely, that's the best part I would like to share...
First, we ran into a nice Dermatologist who has patience and experience. Next, we ran into Nathalie Pelletier's website. Slowly started to identify where to find info. abotu Vitiligo. I reached out to few doctors, some in India and some in UK, exchanged emails. Started believing that Vitilogo can be cured in several cases. That was the BEST MEDICINE to get out of depression really. Mean while 4.5 months went by. THANKS A MILLION to protopic. It did the magic. Also, my dauther is a FIGHTER. Luckily, her body responded. Finally, ran into this website and its wonderful members and their courage.
Yes, I did get Psychiatric help. Its NOTHING but the exchange of emails from educated people. Stories people shared in this forum. Hence, I salute several members in this forum for their courage and guidance. Not everyone can do that.
Lets hope that, one day, we find a permanent cure for this condition.
Sometimes I feel like I'm on a roller coaster ride. I have my good and bad days. I just ride it out and pray that tomorrow will be a better day. I try to workout and pray to also help me relax and get my thoughts off of my condition. At the end of the night, I remind myself of the things I am able to do and focus on positive thoughts. The thought has crossed my mind to talk to someone during my dark days but I have been able to get myself out of them, so far. I have made some great friends here on this site that have been in my shoes and that has helped a ton!! I think if you are feeling like you need to talk to a psychiatrist you should do so or find a friend/pastor you can confide in. We are all here at this site, for the same reason and that is support. I hope you will find it and know that you do not walk alone.
I was diagnosed while young, 11 years old, I have never been depressed by this. There are so many more things that are tougher or harder to live with then this. I am able to see, hear, walk, LIVE. This causes no physical pain. You need to watch over exposure to the sun, but because I have no pigmentation in some areas is not that big of a deal for me. I did color my hair in High school but after out I quit that. If I allowed myself to worry about the things I really have little control over, it would accomplish nothing at all. It has never affected my job, my personal relationships with women, or even with the public that I dealt with on a day to day basis during my career. Did I have to answer some questions about it sure...never ever have I been teased about vitiligo. I now teach, kids are they curious about it yes, they ask me about it. I tell them what it is and why....they accept it and then move on doing what they are doing. If you allow yourself to feel down about it, you will feel down. Like I said before there are so many other things that other people deal with that is so much more serious life threatening, painful, debilitating, I feel blessed that I am who I am. There might be a day that I will be diagnosed with something terminal....I will not live like I am dead already. Sorry if I came across strong, I did not wish to offend anyone....just the way I feel..
Replies
few months ago i graduated . during my time in the uni i v dealt with vitiligo in my own ways ..i had ups and downs ..but things were not that bad .... till three months ago ,when vitiligo started to surface on my face , it seems that all my scary thought are coming true ..and sometimes i only have one question , why me ??!
all i can think about is scary thoughts , i only wish one thing ..i dont want vitiligo on my face ..i dont care about my hands,body ,legs ..i i just dont want it on my face ... i really cant deal with it anymore ...!
I was diagnosed as a child at 4-5 and my parents were told that there was nothing that could be done at that time and not to worry about it. I went through years of my skin de-pigmenting and re-pigmenting itself without any treatment. For the most part I could keep it hidden with clothes but was teased a lot on the spots that couldn't be hidden.
When I started college my skin started rapidly de-pigmenting. I was devastated when it spread to my face and wore makeup to cover it up for about two years but the spreading continued and at that point I felt like I could no longer keep it hidden. At that time I remember seeking some help for treatment but the only options that were given to me at that time were re-pigmentation and I was told that
I have always had issues with eating disorders and as it spread, I turned to food for comfort. By the time I graduated I had gone up at least four sizes and was about 60% de-pigmented.
After graduation I moved to another state and had a very difficult time finding a job. After months of job searching, I ran out of money and had to move back home. At that time I really felt defeated and was fully depressed. I became agoraphobic and did attempt suicide at that time.
As I wasn't given a lot of information regarding Vitiligo when initially diagnosed I had no idea about the warning signs for thyroid disorders and soon after returning home I was exhibiting classic symptoms of Graves Disease. It took two years after returning home for me to be diagnosed with Graves Disease. When I was diagnosed I was in such terrible shape that I had surpassed options for treatment of Graves Disease and was given treatments to save my life. They told me in the emergency room that the only thing that saved me was my age because I was young, had I been older I would have quickly died from congestive heart failure.
It's been a roller coaster ride from then and I'm now 99.9% de-pigmented. I have three small spots of natural pigment left.
Vitiligo has affected every aspect of my life but at the same time I know that I let it. From being teased as a kid, looking for a job, dating, even seeking medical treatment for when I was dying. Also, being de-pigmented brings on a new set of issues as I still see myself as spotted. Through therapy I have addressed a lot of these issues and it has really helped a lot.
Set yourself a goal everyday and follow through,even if it a small task or event i.e. basketball game,movies something to keep you motivated.
Cindy,taking the courage to ask about depression is a huge step.
I am a father of a girl who has the condition. My daughter was diagnosed with this conditon about 2 years ago. The initial onset of this condition in our family and combination of few reasons (our first derm was LOUSY, no experience with Vit conditon. plus, lack of knowledge where to look for info etc etc.) threw me into depresson for almost 6 months ago. I kept imagining, what if she gets on the entire body ? What kind of life she needs to go thru during school, during college, during teenage, this that....what will people stay to her.....will she get married ? ..no end tomy imagination. That was bad on myside. In summary, I became a patient, imagining myself. The "Unkown" drained me. The negativity around Vitiligo, there is NO CURE, truly brought my energy down. Prior to that, depression was NEVER in my dictionary, I was always full of energy. I certainly, sufferred silrently, every day, every hour, every minute. I kept it to myself and did not publicize to others. (Now, I do not recommend this style).
Life changed slowly but surely, that's the best part I would like to share...
First, we ran into a nice Dermatologist who has patience and experience. Next, we ran into Nathalie Pelletier's website. Slowly started to identify where to find info. abotu Vitiligo. I reached out to few doctors, some in India and some in UK, exchanged emails. Started believing that Vitilogo can be cured in several cases. That was the BEST MEDICINE to get out of depression really. Mean while 4.5 months went by. THANKS A MILLION to protopic. It did the magic. Also, my dauther is a FIGHTER. Luckily, her body responded. Finally, ran into this website and its wonderful members and their courage.
Yes, I did get Psychiatric help. Its NOTHING but the exchange of emails from educated people. Stories people shared in this forum. Hence, I salute several members in this forum for their courage and guidance. Not everyone can do that.
Lets hope that, one day, we find a permanent cure for this condition.
This is the link to an article about the quality of life in patients with vitiligo.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC269995/
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