By Melinda Copp
For some people, the most challenging aspect of living with incontinence is its effect on their quality of life. Sometimes it can impact even simple things like a trip to the grocery store or lunch with a friend. People may even begin to feel isolated, embarrassed and unable to fully enjoy their favorite activities, which is why depression can sometimes be a side affect of incontinence.
The good news is that there are plenty of strategies out there for beating any feelings of depression you may experience.
Open Up
Openly discussing your feelings and concerns will help build your confidence and make you feel better. Talk to someone you trust – your doctor, your husband, a family member or a close friend, If you're not comfortable talking about your feelings, write them down in a letter or a journal. Regardless of how you do it, the most important thing is that you let your feelings out.
Find Support in Numbers
Millions of people are dealing with incontinence of some kind, so that means there are millions of people out there who can relate to your feelings and experiences. Support groups will put you in contact with other people who can relate to your situation and share helpful ideas for managing and coping with bladder control problems. Your doctor will have information on support groups in your area.
If you'd prefer to connect with people online rather than in person, the DEPEND® women’s discussion boards allow you to communicate 24/7. Read questions and advice from others and also post your own.
Stay Active – mentally and physically!
Part of the reason people with incontinence can sometimes feel depressed is because they believe they can't do the things they used to enjoy. But incontinence only controls you if you let it. Give yourself something to look forward to by planning activities that you love each week. Or, take up a new hobby that is fun and helps you relax, such as painting, playing an instrument or reading.
Physical activity, such as exercise, is also an important part of maintaining mental health and has never been as important as it is today. It gets your blood flowing, clears your head and relieves stress. If you’re not comfortable doing long, strenuous activities, you can plan light exercise (such as walking) in small increments. Guidelines for how much physical activity you should be getting for your age can be found at www.cdc.gov/physicalactivity/everyone/. Consult your doctor before starting any new physical activity.
Don't Settle
Many people believe they can't avoid incontinence or change it, so they just have to live with it. However, in many cases, these beliefs are not accurate. Work with your doctor to find a solution that will work for you and the type of incontinence you have.
Seek Professional Help
If you feel depressed, isolated and unmotivated, your incontinence may be the cause or it may only be a contributor. Other factors may be causing your depression, which is why you may benefit from talking with a therapist.
If you felt depressed before incontinence became a problem or if these other strategies don't seem to help, you should seek help from a mental health professional. Your doctor's office is a great place to ask for referrals.
You know that living with incontinence can have its challenges. However, incontinence doesn't have to be depressing. When you use these strategies for overcoming your feelings of depression, you can enjoy your life, incontinent or not.
Common Symptoms of Depression in Women
Depression symptoms in men and women look different in many ways. According to WebMD, depression in women may occur earlier and last longer. Consider the following common symptoms of depression.
Symptoms of depression in women include:
- Persistent sad, anxious, or "empty" mood
- Loss of interest or pleasure in activities, including sex
- Restlessness, irritability, or excessive crying
- Feelings of guilt, worthlessness, helplessness, hopelessness, pessimism
- Sleeping too much or too little, early-morning awakening
- Appetite and/or weight loss or overeating and weight gain
- Decreased energy, fatigue, feeling "slowed down"
- Thoughts of death or suicide, or suicide attempts
- Difficulty concentrating, remembering, or making decisions
If you feel like you may be depressed, consult your physician or other health care provider. Additionally, if you think you or someone you know feels beyond help, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255) right away.