Complications of sickle cell disease may often include mood swings
Extending kindness and understanding to patients is crucial
I once thought I might be one of the few people living with sickle cell disease who do not experience mood swings. However, upon deeper self-reflection, I realized that I might very well be the queen of them. Mood swings are a common complication of sickle cell disease, and often, they’re a justified response to the physical and emotional challenges patients face.
As much as I try to maintain my happiness, I occasionally succumb and deal with a variety of mood fluctuations. There are times when I simply don’t feel like engaging with others, either in person or over the phone. I just want to be alone. Sometimes I appear lost or dismissive, and once in a blue moon, I might be frowning or seem sad. My sickle cell symptoms and complications usually trigger these mood changes and responses.
I experience both acute pain crises and chronic pain syndrome, which can manifest in different ways. When I’m in pain, I don’t always react by shouting or crying; sometimes I do, but other times, I may show discomfort on my face. In those moments, my mood changes, and I may become withdrawn, uncommunicative, or want to be alone.
Chronic fatigue is another major complication I face with sickle cell disease. When fatigue overwhelms me, I become inactive with poor concentration. I struggle to pay attention, acknowledge people around me, and process what they say. My body and brain feel drained, craving urgent rest, hydration, or more focused treatment to function properly. If I don’t rest on time, the fatigue usually triggers pain, making it even more challenging to manage my mood. It’s essential to understand that my mood may not always be stable when I’m dealing with these issues.
Mood swings can also stem from depression and anxiety, which are psychosocial complications of sickle cell disease. The fear of potential problems can cause anxiety, while dealing with pain and symptoms can cause depression. The disease can significantly affect a patient’s daily life, relationships, and aspirations, making mood fluctuations an unfortunate reality. Extended hospital stays and numerous medical or surgical procedures can deeply affect one’s emotional state. For example, a sickle cell complication once kept me bedridden for over a year. That situation affected my mood in every way possible, but as a warrior, I overcame.
Furthermore, medications prescribed for managing sickle cell disease can greatly influence mood. For instance, opioids, which are often used to treat severe sickle cell crises, can affect one’s mood greatly. They can make you sleepy, dull, overexcited, or euphoric.
Additionally, some sickle cell patients allow stigma and discrimination from society, health workers, and sometimes fellow sickle cell warriors to affect their mood. Although I don’t let stigma and discrimination get to me, it’s a common cause of mood swings for many patients.
It’s crucial to recognize that many people judge sickle cell patients without understanding their circumstances, making comments such as “He can be snobbish,” “She’s usually moody,” “He doesn’t greet people sometimes,” or “She’s rude.” We need to try to give patients grace and judge them less for their mood swings because we don’t know what they are going through. A warrior who seems snobbish or dismissive may be grappling with intense pain or fatigue that is invisible to others. We must extend compassion and understanding to those battling sickle cell disease.
For friends and caregivers, it’s essential to approach the situation with empathy rather than judgment. Take the time to learn about the patient’s mood patterns and the underlying causes so that you can provide tailored support and care. Together, you can work toward enhancing their physical and mental health and bringing joy and positivity back into their life.
Note: Sickle Cell Disease News is strictly a news and information website about the disease. It does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. This content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website. The opinions expressed in this column are not those of Sickle Cell Disease News or its parent company, Bionews, and are intended to spark discussion about issues pertaining to sickle cell disease.
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Comments
Ayuk Besong Anne-Chantal
Thank you so much for this article.
I have never thought of this and just could not understand some of my mood swings.
Thank you!
Olagoke Aina.
Thank you,Oluwatosin for the elaborate write up.
I have experienced this over and over as HbSS medical Doctor.
However,the mood swings is also connected to Vitamin D deficiency that is common among patients with Sickle Cell Disease,as a study done in my institution corroborated this.