Depression

Many people who are diagnosed with a threatening medical condition can develop depression. Depression is very real and can be debilitating. It can keep you from reaching out for help when you need it most.

Symptoms may include a lack of joy, magnified sadness, feelings of emptiness or isolation, persistent pessimism, loss of interest in daily life, difficulty making decisions, loss of appetite, sleep disturbances – being unable to sleep or sleeping too much, gloominess or thoughts of suicide.

Because the mind and body are so closely connected, depression can make your myasthenia gravis worse. Working to overcome depression is essential to improve your overall health. If possible, seek help from a trusted, competent therapist.

Myasthenics face a catch-22: many antidepressant medications can worsen MG, or may not be effective. If you see a mental health professional, make sure that person knows your full medical history.

Unless otherwise stated, the information provided here is of a general nature, composed by non-medical personnel. It is meant to be accurate and helpful advice for MG patients. It is not intended to be medical opinion, nor is it a substitute for personal professional medical care.