Handling depression is part of this CAD patient’s life

Give ear, me hearties, and listen to my tale. It’s a story of riding the high waves and plunging into the troughs between. Me tale begins many a night ago as the kraken rose up to assail me ship o’ life.

Ye find me many a day befuddled and becalmed because of it. I lie abed thinking of happier times when I could hoist the sail and set off on the seven seas, lookin’ for ports anew.

I’m practicing my pirate lingo in celebration of one of my favorite holidays, International Talk Like a Pirate Day, which is every Sept. 19. It also helps me overcome my bouts of depression.

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September 2, 2024 by Mary Lott

Cold agglutinin disease is the witch of our personal ‘Wizard of Oz’

Depression is common for CAD patients

My “kraken” is my cold agglutinin disease (CAD). Like many with CAD, I’m sometimes “befuddled and becalmed” by bouts of depression. Not only do I deal with fatigue, which causes me to curtail many activities, but there’s also anemia, which causes brain fog. All of this combines to make me feel as if I’m on a ship making its way through fog to a rocky shoal.

Mayhap it’s time to call in a pilot to guide our ship to a safe harbor! When depression is overwhelming, I know resources and professionals can help. I also have stores in my hold (personal plans) for dealing with dark days and stormy seas.

I deliberately lie about in my hammock. I make sure I get enough sleep. When I’m tired or overwhelmed, I begin to feel ineffectual. My feelings of hopelessness grow in proportion to my insomnia. I “take a caulk” (pirate slang for napping) and things usually improve.

Next, I sail the briny deep for tropical climes. When the day is cloudy or I’m spending too much time inside, I go outside and sit in the sun. Sunny days equal a sunny mien for me. Feeling the warmth of the sun on my face and the perfume of roses and honeysuckle is a great mood lifter.

Depression rises when “the glass is blowin’ up a storm.” Those times, I find it challenging to stay my course. My attention wanders. When this happens, I write or binge-watch “Walker, Texas Ranger” or other old TV shows.

It helps me to make a captain’s log, a written record, of things I do. First, I make a list of the things I need to accomplish and check them off during the day. Then, when dark clouds form in my mind, I review the log. A concrete, visual record belies the siren sound of mental depression luring me onto the rocks.

Distractions from depression

When a ship is becalmed in the doldrums, there’s little a pirate can do. They’re at the mercy of elements. In those times, a smart captain will distract a crew else the grumbling gets too loud.

I have distractions, too. One of my favorites is celebrating unusual national or international days. That’s why I’ve been peppering my writing today with as much pirate lingo as I can. I’m fulfilling the purpose of Talk Like a Pirate Day. The name says it all. Talk like a pirate and you’ve participated. Easy peasy!

There is help

While Talk Like a Pirate Day is lighthearted fun, there’s nothing fun about chronic, prolonged depression. My medical team has been alerted to my feelings. I have personal resources for help should I want them. A pirate sails with a crew, not alone.

Most important, if you have suicidal thoughts, ask for help. In the U.S., the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline provides 24-hour support by online chat or phone or text at 988. September, in fact, is Suicide Prevention Month.

Today I’ve had things to do, and I feel I’ve been productive. Last week I wasn’t busy and felt useless. I have significant knee pain, which keeps me close to bed. We CADdies, as those of us with CAD call ourselves, are on an up-and-down trip with the waves of our disease. We must remember that we are pointed to a snug harbor.

Note: Cold Agglutinin Disease News is strictly a news and information website about the disease. It does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. This content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website. The opinions expressed in this column are not those of Cold Agglutinin Disease News or its parent company, Bionews, and are intended to spark discussion about issues pertaining to cold agglutinin disease.