Chronic confusion
Question
I was diagnosed with chronic fatigue syndrome by a psychiatrist after months of feeling unwell. I have seen a psychologist several times for Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) but I feel that it's making me more upset and confused about how I feel than helping me.
I understand therapy may challenge you but I feel like I'm forgetting anything good about myself. Recently the psychologist told me I was depressed. I disagree. I don't think I am in denial about depression, I simply have bad moods sometimes as I have a lot to deal with. On the whole I feel OK. How do symptoms like dizziness, nausea, and being sensitive to noise and light mean that I am depressed? Does my psychologist really know best?
Answer
From what you say, things have been hard for you for some time and although you are now receiving treatment, this is causing you some difficulties. So it is understandable you feel upset and unsure about whether this treatment is right for you.
Chronic fatigue sydrome (CFS) can be very debilitating. Due to the nature of it, diagnosis can be difficult but it is good to hear your psychiatrist has acknowledged your symptoms and that you are now receiving some therapy to help manage and understand the condition better.
Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) works by helping the client to identify, question and change negative thoughts, which may be causing certain behaviours. As you say, this type of therapy can be very challenging, as it means you are faced with underlying issues and these can be upsetting to talk about and try to address. For this reason, the positive effects CBT can have sometimes take a while. Courses of this type of talking treatment may need to be long term in order to be effective.
Participating in CBT, in addition to living with CFS, can be very draining. Especially when you say you have a lot to deal with anyway. You mention you have only seen your psychologist a few times. It might be worth talking to him about how the therapy is making you feel. There are many types of talking treatment available and some work better for some people than others. Although your psychologist may have more medical knowledge, you know yourself best in terms of how you feel. By communicating your thoughts and feelings as honestly as possible to him, he will be able to work with you to ensure your therapy is tailored to suit your needs more effectively.
Although askTheSite cannot make a diagnosis, it may be worth bearing in mind nausea and dizziness can be symptoms of anxiety, as well as physical ailments. You say there's a lot going on in your life at the moment, and so it would be understandable if you were feeling anxious from time to time. Particularly now your psychologist has said you are depressed, despite the fact you feel this is untrue. This must be a very frustrating situation to be in, especially when you say you generally feel OK. The symptoms you describe, such as being sensitive to noise and light, could be due to the CFS. However, depression or mood swings commonly develop in people with CFS due to the effect the syndrome can have on their everyday lives such as work, studies and relationships.
If you would like to get more information about these issues, Depression Alliance provides advice and support to those affected by depression. The website is full of useful information, publications, access to a national network of self-help groups and a penfriend scheme. There is also a lot of useful information and support you might find helpful on the SupportME website which specialises in Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (M.E.) and CFS.
Sometimes it can be helpful to talk to friends and family about how you are feeling. This will improve their understanding of your situation and enable them to support you more effectively, particularly during times when you find yourself in a bad mood. However, sometimes this can seem difficult.
Alternatively, some people find it easier to speak to someone they do not know. SANELINE (tel: 0845 767 8000) is a national mental health helpline offering confidential emotional support and information to anyone experiencing mental health problems. They will be able to give you the time and space to talk about how you are feeling without judging you or telling you what to do.
Good answer? Bad info? Want to tell us what you think? We'd really like to hear what you've got to say about this answer so please click here to take the survey. Your feedback is confidential and as anonymous as you like.
Question answered by SANE
Print this page Email this page to a friend Add to favourites
