Hepatitis C and Feeling Blue

By Connie Welch

2 min read

Hepatitis C patients can deal with depression and anxiety, especially when recently diagnosed, dealing with preparing for treatment, or going through treatment and recovery. Depression and anxiety can often stem from feeling out of control, fear, and feelings of loss, or not knowing what the future holds. These feelings can cause sleep loss and impact eating, which can lead to feelings of depression. Some medications can also cause depression as a chemical side effect.

Depression and hepatitis C treatment

Since treatment for hepatitis C no longer includes Peg Interferon and rarely ribavirin, depression is no longer a common treatment side effect for hepatitis C. Some patients do continue to report some depression with treatment. If depression occurs, it’s best to let your physician know immediately so tests can be run to determine the cause.

What can be done

If depression continues longer than two weeks, it’s best to consult your physician. Blood work can be done to make sure no other physical issues are going on. Prescription medications for anxiety and/or depression may be needed to help the patient get through this time. As mentioned above, it's possible depression is temporarily brought on by treatment medication. If your physician recommends a prescription for anxiety, depression or for insomnia, remember, this is just a tool to help you during this time. This doesn’t mean you’ll have to stay on this medication long term.

Once treatment is completed and in recovery, you may be able to step down off this medication. Be sure to consult with your physician and get the proper instructions on how to step down off any medication for depression or anxiety. Do not get off medication for depression or anxiety cold turkey, this can shock your system and cause problems.

Support groups and other tips for self-care

Find a support group for hepatitis C and recovery. Connecting with others who share the same condition is very helpful with depression and anxiety. And if needed, seek a professional counselor who can help you.

Other notable practices and self-care to manage hepatitis C and prevent depression include:

Talk to your pharmacist about all medications you are taking to find out if any have side effects of depression, anxiety or cause sleep problems.
Be mindful about eating healthy meals and snacks to keep your blood sugar level and nourish your body with good foods.
Make sure to drink plenty of pure water or water infused with citrus all throughout your treatment and recovery. Get plenty of sleep at night.
Mild exercise such as walking or stretching is also helpful. Exercise can increase endorphins in the brain which help lift the spirit.
Prayer and meditation are another excellent way to help with depression and anxiety. A positive mindset and focusing on the good that is happening will also help.
Listen to your body as you go through treatment and recovery. If you are dealing with fatigue, rest breaks are necessary.
Fatigue can also contribute to depression, so be mindful and remember, this is temporary. You will get better and overcome this.

Consult with your doctor and together you can make a proactive plan to get the tools and help you need to get through this.

This article represents the opinions, thoughts, and experiences of the author; none of this content has been paid for by any advertiser. The HepatitisC.net team does not recommend or endorse any products or treatments discussed herein. Learn more about how we maintain editorial integrity here.

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astruble1980 Member
I went through a HepC trial in late 1990’s. The trial was in two stages. First with interferon then interferon with riboviran. I am free of the HepC virus but my brain and body has never been the same since loosing my job on medical leave.. I’m concerned about the willingness to share and availability of information for former test dummies and their caregivers. I don’t know what is worse going through the HepC journey or being broken by the trial of the journey. Romans 8:28
1. astruble1980 Member
 Your words are kind but I was fired illegally, loss of income has resulted in my inability to maintain financial stability and seek a more comprehensive medical review and analysis. I’m unable to self advocate.
2. Leslie Anne Castro Member
 <inline-mention username="astruble1980" user-id="3489969"/> Hope you are doing well and were able to seek employment elsewhere post your Hep C treatment. Continue to educate and advocate for yourself. Best of luck in your Hep C journey. Leslie (Community Moderator)
astruble1980 Member
This is I’m asking about is the treatment trial I participated in. My HepC medical trial used Peg Interferon and ribavirin. It may not be used currently but what am I supposed to do since taking the meds I’ve experienced loss and decline of normal activity. Clinician’s look at me as if I’m making it all up because there is no medical literature available for review.
1. Connie Welch Moderator
 Hi Astruble1980, I understand and relate to your experience. I did treatment three times, my first two treatments failed and I had to wait 12 years for new treatment. My older treatments also included Peginterferon and Ribavirin with harsh side effects and decreased activity. Sadly many physicians don't understand the recovery experience when these meds were used. My hepatologist did explain to me the need for some anxiety/depression meds as a tool because treatment meds caused a chemical change going on in my body during treatment. I didn't take anything during my first 2 treatments and I suffered more side effects, but I did take a low-dose anxiety/depression med during my last treatment which helped greatly. Later I was able to step down off of it. I had to make a recovery plan, that included mild exercise and stretching, healthy eating, drinking lots of pure water, and avoiding things harmful to the liver. Most of all, I had to keep my thoughts focused on what was positive and uplifting. I learned I had to have patience in this long process. Testing and exams are good to make sure no other medical conditions are going on. My autoimmune thyroid disease reared its head and I have to keep a close check on it, which can also cause fatigue, and in some cases depression or anxiety. I understand your frustration and concern. Have you had other tests to rule out other conditions? Have you been able to do mild exercise regularly, and change eating? If you take other medications, check with your pharmacist to make about their side effects. Let me know how you're doing. We're here for you and understand. Blessings my friend, Connie-Author/Moderator@Hepatitis <a href='http://C.net' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer ugc'>C.net</a>
2. Connie Welch Moderator
 Hi Astruble1980, I'm so sorry you lost your job. Under the American Disabilities Act, you should be protected against losing employment due to being under treatment. Though I am not an attorney, there may be someone out there to help. Don't give up my friend. Keep moving forward. New employment and good things are there for you. I hope you'll be able to work on some of the suggestions in my prior post. We are here for you. Let us know how you're doing. Blessings my friend, Connie-Author/Moderator@Hepatitis <a href='http://C.net' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer ugc'>C.net</a>

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