Many patients who develop macular degeneration also experience depression. The depression is a normal response to the fear of their current lifestyle being dramatically impacted. They are afraid they will experience a loss of independence, which a loss of vision might produce. Some patients already have depression, and macular degeneration simply worsens it. Others already have depression for which they are receiving treatment.
It is extremely important for patients who are experiencing depression to discuss this with their family members, with both their primary care physician and their retina specialist, and perhaps even with other patients or support groups. In many cases, a better understanding of the disease and the possible treatment options will help to alleviate some of the depression. In other cases, help with daily activities such as that provided by low vision experts or the Commission for the Blind will also help to relieve the depression. In most cases, simply understanding the disease state and the help available can mitigate or eliminate depression.
Nick’s comment: I was devastated as I thought about the possible outcome of macular degeneration. My thinking immediately brought me to the worst possible scenario. I envisioned the end of carving, skiing, and boating, and I saw myself having to hold onto my wife’s elbow for the remainder of my life. I was not doing at all well with this thought. Education and beginning treatments helped me a great deal.