As it's Movember month it seems fitting to raise the dark subject of depression, and I can honestly say over the last 12 years having Coeliac Disease it has, at times ,caused me great stress and unhappiness.
I have just read Melinda's Christmas Blog http://blog.melindasgfg.com/ and in it she has a list of ways to make catering for the silly Christmas season easier for the Caterer and the guests, but it was this quote that struck me....
"It’s important that guests with dietary needs don’t feel that they are a nuisance
and can enjoy themselves"
How often have we all been the "dreaded high maintenance" guest with all those "fussy" food lists of can't haves. I've sat eating carrot sticks all night at a party because my previous partner thought it rude to give our Hosts a list of foods I couldn't have! Have you fallen victim to someone else's absurd attitude toward your disease? How did that make you feel? I felt as though I was being "fussy" that I wanted the centre of attention and the party shouldn't be about me! Surely I could just have alittle of what was served, without making a scene. Sound familiar? I hope not.
Over the years (and a new very supportive Husband) I have developed a much tougher hide and of course Coeliac awareness is much greater, but there are those of us that still find the sometimes social isolation difficult. Why do I say social isolation? In our Australian culture sharing a meal with family and friends is possibly the second most social activity next to sharing an ale. Family perhaps will be more understanding having had a closer experience of your pre diagnosis health problems. Friends on the other hand are a different kettle of fish. When is it the right time to tell them you have CD? When they invite you over for dinner or a BBQ for the first time? Over lunch in the Staff Room? When an office party is being planned and someone is organising a 3 course set menu at the local Italian Restaurant (oh boy).
Dissions have to be made. Do you blurt out your entire medical history? (here's a hint don't dwell on the bowel issues) Do you give them a short course on Coeliac Disease? Or do you simply opt out of social occasions where food will be served ? Coeliac Canada recently surveyed their members and a staggering 81% said they didn't eat out at Restaurants! Social isolation can lead to depression, but there's something else you should know...
"Although the exact reasons that people with Coeliac disease are at increased risk of depression are not known, several factors may account for least part of the explanation" Coeliac Disease for Dummies, Part II How Coeliac Disease Can Make You Feel.
Yep...how lucky are we?
Forewarned is forearmed and Knowledge is self empowering!!! The more you understand about the physical and mental affects of Coeliac Disease the more aware you can be if you see these affects taking place in yourself or others.
Here are some of the factors that may contribute to depression in someone with Coeliac Disease...
*The inflammation in the body that results from Coeliac Disease may, in itself, affect one's mood and thinking (having a bloated sore stomach sure gets me emotional!)
*CD causes decreased absorption of certain nutrients. One theory holds that this may lead to decreased levels of the brain's chemical messengers (neurotransmitters) and that this chemical imbalance is a factor in causing depression.
*After diagnosis and on your new 100% GF diet, you may find this management is "overly restrictive" and interfering with your social life.
*Many of us have been unwell for years before diagnosis, feeling chronically ill can understandably take a heavy emotional toll
So...although your family and friends may offer great support, you should let your GP know how you are feeling! Depression is nothing to be ashamed about!
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