Narcolepsy and Apathy
Since my retirement and getting out of the 'rat race', I find I have lost interest in doing anything other than sitting in my recliner and napping and reading. I am currently on meds for what my doctor says is a moderate bout of major depression. I have dealt with depression for a number of years but never to this degree of loss of interest in absolutely everything. Had trouble describing this feeling until I came upon the definition of 'avolition'. Has anyone else had a similar experience?
Hi Scooter Joe.
I also have depression along with narcolepsy and PTSD. I have little motivation to do anything. I have little contact with anyone, not even my children or grandchildren, they don’t live close. I have just joined this forum to hopefully find some answers. Thank you for posting. I hope the very best for you.
Welcome to the community,
! I wish you had more support from your family. Have you ever considered moving closer to any of your children or is that not a good option? Depression is not uncommon for anyone with a chronic illness, but especially for those with a condition like narcolepsy. Throw is PTSD and, of course, it's even more likely. Another member, , offers some great advice in this forum that might interest you: https://narcolepsy.sleep-disorders.net/forums/narcolepsy-and-ptsd#reply-170199. I hope you'll check it out. Please know we are here for you whenever you need us. Best wishes. - Lori (Team Member)
I did read SleepyLibrarian’s post. Sounds like good advice. Thank you, Lori.
Hi
. In our culture, our identities and our social lives are closely tied with our careers. Giving up that career or lifelong job without other passions and other connections to help us remold ourselves can make people feel lost and depressed. Since you already suffer from depression, it is not surprising to hear that you are experiencing these symptoms. Everything can feel so out of reach, so impossible to change, but it's not. You can get better with help. Before you see a psychiatrist or therapist though (or maybe while you do), I would urge you to request a referral to a neurologist. Very often, people with one chronic health condition develop another. It would be good to rule out any neurological conditions that might be effecting your emotions and energy levels. It sounds like you don't want to feel this way, like you want to enjoy life as fully as possible. To get back that motivation, you will have to advocate for yourself and get help. It is not always easy to get appointments with psychiatrists or therapists, but It will be worth it, for sure. Please know you are far from alone. I have moderated in other communities for people with chronic illnesses for a few years now. It is not at all uncommon to feel severely depressed whether people are forced to leave their careers because of their conditions or whether their conditions impacted their expectations of retirement. Know that we are also here for you whenever you need us. Best wishes. - Lori (Team Member) I'm sorry for you. I'm not in a retirement age, but I just got diagnosed with narcolepsy this month. I was in shock mode, denial, crying a lot etc... Then I finally understand my mental condition when my therapist said that I was grieving. Basically, grieving about the loss of life I had before, loss of expectation, loss of hope... That needs to be replaced with something elae. When she said that, things start to make sense for me. If you haven't got therapy, maybe you can try one. Hopefully you can get through this situation.
