I'm not having any easy time coming to terms with my diagnosis and living with IIH. To be fair nothing really changed between the time I was diagnosed and the months before it - but it's just so different now. Before, when I didn't know what was wrong with me, there was always the hope that this was something I could fix somehow, or that it might just go away on its own. Now I know that isn't possible, and that I'm going to need to follow through with treatment if I want to see any improvement. But I just feel so--old, and impaired. I act like my grandma, forgetting to put my gym clothes away after class, losing my keys and my glasses, losing track of time, spacing out, misplacing things, forgetting old faces. I'm always tired. I just don't feel like myself, and I get scared that I never will. It's been bringing up some not-so-pleasant thoughts about the future. I've struggled with major depression in the past, so I remember what it felt like when I was starting to sink into it. And it kind of feels like that now... So I guess the best thing for me to do is get therapy, because I can't think of anything else that could help... None of my family or friends really get it, and even those who do are scared of it, so they don't like to talk about it with me.

Has anyone here ever gotten therapy for dealing with IIH? Has it helped you at all in coping with the emotional difficulties that come with it? Was your therapist understanding? I just want to live a normal life. Or as normal as it can be when dealing with something like this.

Hi there! I am so sorry for your pain;( I know what its like to be so forgetful...people act like your stupid. I think therapy might be a good idea! I haven't tried it but I have thought of it.... sometimes its OK... sometimes its like nobody gets it. Its hard we don't look sick! I have a pretty intense job and I've been slacking and its just horrible the stress of knowing your slacking but not being able to help it is hard.
If therapy has helped in the past it should help you deal with figuring out how to deal with your feelings about all of this!

I myself have thought of going to therapy, never been but it's the only places I know I can talk with out any backlash from anyone, excspecially my husband, I feel so alone and so depressed I cry alot, I feel sad that my baby girl has to grow up with a mom like this, it's not fair to her. Every time I say anything about how I feel or what not about my IIh my husband basically just turns away so there for I don't think he understands, I really want to do therapy but with basically no money and no insurance I can't, but I sure would give anything to go. Because I believe it would help me. I rant on here but there is so much more I have to say or want to talk about but don't have the energy or strength to get it all out.

I like many other understand your pain and want you to know you are not alone and we are here for you for anything whether it be questions, wonders, rants or what ever we are here for each other because we all know what we are going through, this has been the best place for me to feel not so alone and get alot of information from.


Good luck and I hope you have a good day!

~Nichole

I've used therapy off an on throughout this process. I went a few times a week in the begining because I was so depressed and hopeless, but just go for an occasional tweaking now. I think it depends on the counselor and your personal preferences. I've seen people that were very compassionate and others not so much. I think it's important to not get discouraged and search until you find someone you connect with. If you've used therapy in the past and had good results, I'd start w/ that person. A lot of hospitals also have support groups for people w/ chronic pain and conditions. It's not specifically IIH, but some people respond well talking to others in similar situations..and there's usually no cost for support groups.

IIH is a definite adjustment, but you can live a "normal life" w/ proper treatment. I didn't respond very well to medications, so ended up w/ a lumbar shunt. I've been able to maintain full time employment and fulfilling relationships since that time. Over time you'll learn your triggers and limitations. You can basically do the same things, but need to plan ahead and be mindful. It affects everyone differently and you will have difficult times, which is why it's important to build a strong support system. I lost a lot of friends and family that couldn't deal w/ it in the beginning, but you start to recognize the fair weather friends and focus on the supportive people in your life. I think a counselor would be able to help you w/ your feelings regarding IIH, the adjustments, and your relationships. We're also here to listen and support you, so know that you're never alone!

Take care,

Julie

I, too, have been dealing with depression for quite some time. Counseling has been helpful for me. There were many coping methods that I had not considered using that my therapist reminded me about. I highly recommend it.
And, most State/County or City mental health groups offer low cost or free services for those in need. It takes a bit of digging, maybe some phone calls, but it is so worth it.