Has anyone with an ileostomy suffered from depression because of it?

I am 34 and have had an ileostomy due to Crohn's, for 13 years. For the last 7 and a half years I have taken anti-depressants. I have recently started to take Escitalopram; previously I took Citalopram for 2 years and Efexor before that. I seem to get depressed about the stoma more than any other problems. After 13 years I thought I would feel different. I was only ill for a short time before undergoing emergency surgery and for 21 years I didn't even know I had Crohn's (I'd never even heard of it, but I am now aware that it runs in my family). Other people with stomas seem to get on with their lives but sometimes I feel as though I am kind of stuck. I read about people saying how great their life is now they have a stoma but when I came out of hospital in 1994 I just wanted to die. I don't feel as bad as that now, but I do wonder if anyone else with an ileostomy has been very depressed about it.

I feel very much for you. I had a colostomy bag in 1992. It was, as you said, depressing. I think what you need to do is look into yourself and see if you have yet truly accepted the fact that this is permanent and for the rest of your life. I think if you do you will find that you will see your situation as something you must do and will start to find ways to enjoy as much of all the great things about being alive and healthy.

I, too have Crohn's, but as of now, do not have one. Just the constant trips to the bathroom are bad enough for me. I take Fluoxetine and it has really helped. I understand where you are coming from. I do realize that one day I may be in your shoes

Do you think that maybe chatting with other ostomates, either in real life support groups or on the internet, might help? There are many other ostomates who have been through depression so talking it through with them could be of value. I'm not sure where you live but if you give more info, I can possibly point you in the right direction for support groups in your area.

I actually run an online Ostomy Support Group at http://www.ostomates.org/cgi-bin/yabb2/Y... and you're more than welcome to join us there where you'll find a whole world of ostomates who know what you're going through.

Good luck.

Hi, You need to know you are not alone. An ileostomy is very confronting and can be very hard to adjust to. I also have a hard time hearing people describe their stomas as the best thing they did but mine represents an extremely difficult time in my life. I will never adjust to seeing it poking out of my belly and I only ever look at it briefly when I change appliance. My ile came from emergency surgery and is the ONLY thing in my life I have to be depressed about but it can cause pretty significant depression. I still often feel that if it wasnt for the love of my husband and children there wouldn't be a whole lot to look forward to. I have also realised that no-one really can understand exactly how you are feeling without being in the same position themselves. I am seeing a psychologist on a regular basis which is an incredible help. I am adjusting slowly but am very lucky to know that at some stage in the (not so near) future it will be reversible. I have found some great online communities that have been a great help. A supportive stomal nurse is a great thing to have and if any of your worry comes from ill fitting appliances or skin trouble I suggest you keep looking for the perfect appliance as minimal discomfort can help you forget its there, even just for a little while. I really hope it gets better for you. Best of luck.

Oh, and I highly recommend Shaz's website (mentioned above) as well as ostomyland. Both have been great sources of support for me.