Depression and bladder problems?

[confuseddotcodotuk]

I'm just wondering if there can be a link between the two really? I know I've been depressed for years, not severely, but I can most certainly tick most of the boxes on the symptoms lists, I also have bladder problems (not being able to last very long without a wee) for a few years now which is steadily getting worse, to the point where I don't go out now, or use buses and have panic attacks from not being able to get to the loo in time.

I've just had a call from my Mum who has friends in clinical settings, and she's saying that a certain friend mentioned a client who had very similar problems to mine and after going on anti-depressents she saw a massive improvement within months both on the depression side and bladder problems. Is this possible?

Mum's been trying to get me to see a doctor about my feelings for years now, and wants me to go onto anti-depressents so even though I know she's only looking out for me, I'm weary of putting my health problems all onto depression and relying on anti-depressents to make me better. I'm also weary of going onto anti-depressents as I'm terrified of becoming dependant on them. I don't want to go in to a doc and convince them I have depression just to put me onto anti-depressents, it feels so wrong to do that when people have it seriously :(

Can the two be linked?

[TeacupTempest]

I cant really see how the two would be connected really. Having said that I have suffered with depression and constantly need the loo!

Interested to see what others say.

[TheVisitor]

I don't know if there's a link, but I do think you're doing yourself a disservice by not looking into treatment for your depression. It doesn't matter if other people have it more severely than you, the fact is, you're not happy and are just as deserving as anyone. Clinical depression is down to a lack of seratonin in the brain, so is actually a physical illness. Antidepressants help your body make up the shortfall, and you generally need at least 6 months for them to be 100% effective. There is no shame in this. If you were diabetic, you'd take insulin, yes?

Now, bladder problems are extremely common. Allways do their own version of pads, called Elvive which look more like sanitary towels on the shelf. They're extremely effective and take away the panic of not getting to the loo in time. Your doctor can also refer you for treatment, as you don't have to just cope with it.

Finally, best of luck for a happier life, because you deserve it. xxx

[confuseddotcodotuk]

Visitor: I wear the pads when I go out, but I still get panicky :( I have 'tests' next week for it so we'll see what happens I suppose :s

I am hoping that maybe someone has seen improvement in their bladder problems after starting treatment for depression. It's something that rules my life (along with bad knees :() so any improvement would be a good thing!

[GetDownYouWillFall]

Did you know there is an anti-depressant that also treats bladder problems?

It is called duloxetine. Sometimes it is prescribed to help incontinence (stress and urge incontinence) even when no depression is present.

I was offered it as I have depression and bladder problems. In the end I went with something else but it was def an option for me.

[confuseddotcodotuk]

I'll definately look into that! Thank you :)

I have to cancel my testing now which is a pain, I can't afford the trip home, so I'll have to find a doctors here and go back through the system!