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Judi - Jake's fatique could be caused by both the TM and depression.
There is a very big connection between the mind and body, and depression
often occurs when the body has major problems. Also - Jake is having to
adjust to some really major stuff here. Anyway, after more than 18
months of myelitis fun, I also had to come to terms with the fact that I
was having big problems with depression. I am on zoloft, but it sounds
like you are not too crazy about meds. You might want to find a
counselor Jake can talk to. There are also some naturally occuring
anti-depressants - what they are escapes me at the moment. Please don't
discount the idea that he may be depressed. It is very hard to explain
to someone who has not been there. It is not just "feeling blue". For
me it was a general fatigue and apathy, and while I did not actively
plan suicide, I could not think of any particularly good reason to
continue living. It can be pretty dangerous. It can't hurt to have it
checked out - Ann
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Hi Ann and Judi,
The American Medical Association's veiwpoint that depression can cause
fatique is vague enough to be open to each doctors interpretation. I think
the"it's all in your head!" doctors are referring to a person making
themselves believe they are tired as opposed to "a diagnostic doctor" who sees
most fatique as a physical symptom with underlying physical causes. Ann,your
veiwpoint is respectfully accepted by me,but,I know Jake's fatique is not
depression related. An analogy of my PCP is like a persons body is a V-8
automobile engine and only able to run on 6 cylinders. The 6 cylinders work
their butts off trying to do the job of 8 cylinders. Add a higher octane
gas(meds) and it still will not increase performance,no matter how hard it
tries.The overworked engine will blow up when it's fatiqued,but the body will
take a break and then get back to work. I believe the AMA did not intentially
mean to mix a depressive icondition and a physical condition in the same
light.
Phil