Depression is a common but treatable mental illness that can cause changes in mood, thought, and behavior. Depression causes continuous or long-lasting feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and lack of interest, and these feelings can interfere with everyday life. Depression can run in families, and a person can experience depression at any age. Depression is also twice as common in women as in men. Common signs and symptoms of depression include:
This condition is often successfully treated with a combination of medication and psychotherapy. However, many individuals with depression do not seek treatment due to judgment and stigma. Depression is not a character flaw or sign of weakness.
If you or someone you know is experiencing depression, we encourage seeking support and help from a medical provider.
I feel much better now that I’ve been GF for 3 years, but I went through a period of depression after my diagnosis. I once left the grocery store in tears because reading food labels became so overwhelming. I lost my love of cooking, and I started to avoid social situations.
It was very lonely to be sick and see everyone around me eating these amazing foods. I don’t want to go back to feeling the way that I did. Those were days and days filled with pain and depression. Now that I follow a gluten-free diet, I am already seeing an improvement in my quality of life.
I struggled with depression as a symptom of both the illness and the difficulty I had finding gluten-free food that tasted good.
It seemed like overnight I went from a happy-go-lucky, zest-for-life person to a fatigued, depressed, panicked mom who couldn’t keep breakfast down or find the energy to drive her kids to school. It went on for months. I was so scared I would never feel like myself again.
The first six months after diagnosis I spent in self-pity, crying and being depressed because I wasn’t able to eat everything I loved. I began to crave any deep-fried food, cried a lot (still do at times) and always questioned “WHY ME?” It felt like my world had turned upside down.
At Beyond Celiac, we’re collecting real stories from people living with celiac disease to highlight how symptoms affect everyday life.
Your experience with depression can help others feel seen, understood, and empowered. We only share first names or initials to protect your privacy. These stories raise awareness and help others recognize how celiac disease shows up in different ways.
Use the form below to share your experiences with celiac disease and depression.
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