It’s time to be honest. Depression and other emotional issues come along with having Celiac Disease. I’m afraid too often our emotional struggles mask our other symptoms making it even harder to get an accurate diagnosis. For my journey anti-depressants were some of the first medications administered to try and “fix me”. I was on anti-depressants for 16 years. I took myself off, cold turkey (not recommended) in 2008 when we wanted to start a family. When I went Gluten Free in 2011 life was much easier to manage, I was healthier and happier.
Now is where the story takes a twist, I’m back on meds after being off for over 6 years. Yes, I’m Gluten Free and still struggle with emotional battles. Living a Gluten Free life has helped a TON but life still happens and I still struggle with depression. The answer for me has been anti-depressants. And to be honest counseling and exercise were not enough for me.
I’m not sure where you are on your journey or if your story is similar to mine. I just believe we need to be honest in life. Since I share so much of my life with you guys, I felt this was a piece that needed to be shared as well.
If you struggle with emotional battles, with all my heart, I want to encourage you to get help. You are not weak, you are not broken, and there is no shame in seeking help. In fact, I argue that it takes strength and great self awareness to seek help.
If you are a parent of a Gluten Free child please know there are so many emotional struggles that go along with living this life. If you see signs that your child is struggling please get them help. I have met 6 year olds who are Gluten Free, in therapy and on medication to help them handle life. There is no judgement. I have met other parents who choose to homeschool their child for a season to help them adjust to life. You as the parent know your child and can see when something is not right.
Living Gluten Free has improved my quality of life more than I could ever explain, but by no means is my life perfect or a fairy tale. We need to be honest and encourage and lift one another up.
I’m not sure why this is the post I felt needed to be written today, but here it is. I hope someone reads this and finds hope and encouragement.
Enjoy your Gluten Free journey and take care of yourself or loved one.
Much Love,
Pam
Thank you for writing this article. I’ve been being treated for depression the majority of my adult life. I suspect it started earlier than that. I was diagnosed with Celiac disease 2yrs ago & my depression/anxiety has gotten much worse. It’s still a daily struggle. It takes courage to talk about it & I really appreciate you sharing. Knowing other are experiencing it as well, helps make it a little easier.
Marueen – Thank you for sharing your story! It is hard and you are not alone!
Pam
Thanks for this, Pam. There are so many pieces to the celiac puzzle and the mental health aspect is always under-addressed. Stigma, stigma everywhere. I had a rough day today and it was nice to come home to such a warm and understanding post.
Alice
Pam! I commend you for your brave heart and courageous authenticity. You just may have saved a life or two!! Thank you for sharing. It is such a huge huge huge puzzle when it comes to celiac disease. Symptoms vary, but I see depression and anxiety as top symptoms all the time. Hugs to you! ��
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Hey Pam, Please know you are not alone in this life journey. I too was put on antidepressants before my issues were solved. I never stopped taking them because I was afraid to due to all of the issues of dealing with the diet. I have cut back to a low dose but thankfully my doctor agrees that I should continue on them. Hang in there and I will pray you get back on track soon.
Brave of you to share this, Pam. Thanks so much. You are definitely not alone.
Thank you so much for sharing this. There should be no shame in being on medication that your body needs.
Like you, I have been on antidepressants for a very long time. I went off of them for one year, but exercise and counseling were not enough. Since my celiac diagnosis was fairly recent, I hope that in time I might be able to try getting off of them again, but if not, I’m ok with it.
Many blessings to you.
Thank you for your kind words! I hope you are able to do well once totally GF!
Thank you for sharing. It is so important to know that others are going through the same things with this disease. I do not have the classic symptoms of this disease, but some neurological ones including some depression, anxiety, panic attacks and brain fog. I appreciate all that you do for the community. Thank you! “LIKE!” “LIKE!” “LIKE!”