Has anyone with an ileostomy suffered from depression because of it?!

Has anyone with an ileostomy suffered from depression because of it?

I am 34 and have had an ileostomy due to Crohn's, for 13 years. For the last 7 and a half years I have taken anti-depressants. I have recently started to take Escitalopram; previously I took Citalopram for 2 years and Efexor before that. I seem to get depressed about the stoma more than any other problems. After 13 years I thought I would feel different. I was only ill for a short time before undergoing emergency surgery and for 21 years I didn't even know I had Crohn's (I'd never even heard of it, but I am now aware that it runs in my family). Other people with stomas seem to get on with their lives but sometimes I feel as though I am kind of stuck. I read about people saying how great their life is now they have a stoma but when I came out of hospital in 1994 I just wanted to die. I don't feel as bad as that now, but I do wonder if anyone else with an ileostomy has been very depressed about it.

I feel very much for you. I had a colostomy bag in 1992. It was, as you said, depressing. I think what you need to do is look into yourself and see if you have yet truly accepted the fact that this is permanent and for the rest of your life. I think if you do you will find that you will see your situation as something you must do and will start to find ways to enjoy as much of all the great things about being alive and healthy.