Warning Signs of Depression in People with XLH
Living with a chronic disease, such as X-linked hypophosphatemia (XLH), can be very stressful. You may feel as if you’ve lost control of your life, a major source of anxiety. Some people with XLH speak of experiencing considerable fatigue, stiffness, and chronic pain. Adults with XLH also report a fear of falling, and concerns that healthcare professionals are not taking their symptoms seriously.
Practicing self-care (both physical and mental) is important for maintaining good health. If you or a family member are experiencing any of the following signs of depression, talk to a doctor about this disorder, how it might be diagnosed, and possible treatment options.
Feelings of hopelessness or despair
It’s normal to feel down from time to time. However, if you are continuously feeling hopeless and in despair, you may be clinically depressed. This is a severe form of depression.
Some people experience depression as a lack of emotion. Instead of being excessively happy or sad, you might just feel numb all the time.
Losing interest in hobbies
People’s interests change over time, but if you’ve noticed that you or others have stopped enjoying all of previous hobbies and social activities, you may be looking at a warning sign of depression. Feeling like it’s impossible to connect with friends and family can also be a warning sign.
Weight and appetite changes
Everyone responds to stress differently, but many people either lose their appetite or increase their intake of “comfort foods.” Rapid gain or loss of weight can be an indication that something is not quite right.
Sleep changes
If you are in constant pain, a good night’s sleep can be hard to get. However, constantly having trouble getting to sleep, or trouble waking up, can be a symptom of depression. Talk to your doctor if you regularly have difficulty getting between seven and nine hours of quality sleep.
Mood changes
Rapid mood changes, out of proportion to whatever triggered the mood change, can be a symptom of depression. You might feel like you’re in danger of losing your temper constantly, or feel continuously restless or agitated.
Guilt or self-loathing
Feeling guilty, especially over minor things, can be a sign of depression. Talking down to yourself constantly, either internally or when you are talking with others, can also be a sign.
Concentration problems
Trouble remembering the things you need to do, or with focusing on things at hand, can be signs of depression. Everyone has forgetful moments, but if forgetfulness becomes a pattern, you should talk to your doctor. It’s easy to feel bad when you forget things that are important and promise yourself to be better next time, but such lapses can be an important sign that something is wrong.
Aches or pains
If you’re already experiencing chronic pain, recording them may feel like a waste of time. However, depression can cause physical symptoms, including back pain, stomach aches, or general aches and pains. These symptoms can make your chronic pain worse. The good news is that depression is a treatable condition.
Feeling suicidal
Depression is a major risk factor for suicide. If you have suicidal thoughts (or know someone who has said they are suicidal), seek help as soon as possible. In the U.S., the National Suicide Hotline provides 24-hour support by phone, text, or online chat.
Last updated: May 28, 2020
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X-Linked Hypophosphatemia News Today 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.
