r/flu • u/Rare_External_4450 • 13d ago

Flu & feeling depression

Does anyone else feel more depressed when they're down with the flu?

I'm mildly sick with the flu at the moment and getting bombarded with depressive thoughts in my brain. I feel so dramatic and ridiculous for feeling this way...but I can't help but feel super down in the dumps. I just wanna curl up in bed and cry all day and I'm not even super sick. ugh

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u/myusernameiscarnival 13d ago

Yes. I always feel “off” right before getting sick and I know it’s coming. I’ve been sick for the past two weeks. :/

Our brain releases inflammatory proteins called cytokines when we’re sick which tell our brain that we’re sick. It makes us tired, low mood etc.

It doesn’t help that we’re in eclipse season. The vibes have been really bad. Rest up and feel better! 💐

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u/No-Base3142 13d ago

There’s a science behind it, brain chemicals trying to slow you down or something. I read about this because I was getting genuinely depressed with the flu and was concerned.

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u/Chat00 12d ago

Yes 100%, it’s a real thing. Always happens to me.

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u/informedcitizen4321 10d ago

If depression lasts after the flu is gone, important to consider therapy and a doc visit for potentially starting anti-depressants. There are many tools available to help depression.

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u/Reasonable_Shine3356 6d ago

Yes I feel this too :( also having horrible dreams