Symptom 10: Mood Changes – An Emotional Roller Coaster
The physical symptoms of Lyme disease are often what doctors and patients focus on, but the disease can also bring about significant mood changes. Patients often report feelings that range from mild mood swings to significant anxiety or depression. These aren’t just everyday ups and downs, but profound shifts in mood that can impact relationships, work, and overall quality of life.
One minute, a person might feel on top of the world, buzzing with energy, only to plunge into a depressive state the next. This emotional rollercoaster can feel incredibly disorienting and exhausting. Family members, friends, and coworkers may not understand these sudden changes, leading to tension and misunderstandings.
These mood changes aren’t limited to just sadness or depression. Anxiety is also common, as individuals may feel a constant sense of unease or dread. This anxiety can be general, looming over every aspect of a person’s life, or it can be specific, related to the illness itself or its impact on one’s life.
Beyond mood swings, depression, and anxiety, some people with Lyme disease may experience irritability. They might have a short fuse, getting angry or upset over things that would usually not bother them. This irritability can strain relationships and make it difficult for individuals to engage in their usual activities.
It’s also not uncommon for people with Lyme disease to experience feelings of isolation or loneliness. They may feel misunderstood by their loved ones or unsupported by their medical team. They might also withdraw from their usual activities due to fatigue or other physical symptoms, further increasing their sense of isolation.
When these emotional symptoms occur alongside other signs of Lyme disease, such as fatigue, joint pain, or a characteristic rash, they can serve as another piece of the diagnostic puzzle. (*)
