SPONSORED SECTION
   
  Home Inside Info Quizzes Discuss
 
Inside Information
The Spotlight
  Conditions That Affect Continence  
  Don't Worry, Be Healthy  
  Solutions for Boomers  
  Weigh Less, Leak Less  
  Easy Springtime Sneezing  
  The Usual Suspects  
Meet the Expert
  Read their Bio
You Ask, We Answer
  Everyday Tips for Managing Incontinence  
Foods For You
  Mini Meals For Maximum Health  
  A Cup of Comfort  
  Spice of Life  
  Balancing Act  
  Fresh from the Garden  
  Focus on Fiber  
  Smart Sipping  
At Your Fingertips
  Resources That Can Help  
Healthy Living
  Be A Little More Flexible  
  Stronger than Yesterday  
  Step into the Sunshine  
  Spring Cleaning for Skin  
  Answers to Exercise Excuses
Get Up and Go
  Join the Party! RSVP “Yes!”
  Flying High with UI  
  The Perfect Day Trip  
On Your Mind
  Love Yourself Love Your Life
  The Brain-Bladder Connection
  You’re Not Alone  
  Instant Stress-Busters  
Visit Depend.com
 
On Your Mind print pageemail to a friend
  The Brain-Bladder Connection  
  An embracing coupleIt’s no secret that incontinence can be a difficult condition to treat, manage, and live with. Not surprisingly, a recent study of Canadian women with incontinence found that women with urinary incontinence were more likely to be depressed than women without the condition. In young women with incontinence, the likelihood was double. Because the link is so strong between the two conditions, experts recommend that everyone with incontinence be screened for depression and vice versa. Here are some more reasons to talk with your doctor about your mood.  
  Treating depression can ease incontinence  
  Researchers at the University of Virginia Department of Urology and Walter Reed Medical Center have discovered that too little serotonin in the brain may contribute to depression and urge incontinence. The good news here: The same drugs that can ease depression may also help reduce incontinence in some people.  
  Treating incontinence can ease depression  
  Incontinence can discourage people from participating in activities they love. What’s more, waking frequently at night to urinate can lead to lack of energy during the day. It’s tough to feel cheerful if you’re lonely and tired. If your incontinence isn’t well-managed (day or night), work with your doctor to find solutions that help you get back to a full, happy life.  
  Don’t be one of the “untreated”  
  The National Institute of Mental Health estimates that about 20.9 million American adults suffer from a “depressive illness” annually. Most of them won’t seek treatment—don’t let yourself be among them. New advancements in medications and therapy can help ease the pain and symptoms of depression. To start getting the help you need, talk with your family doctor or a mental health specialist today.  
  Do these symptoms sound familiar?  
  Here are just some of the symptoms of depression listed by the National Institute of Mental Health:  
 
  • Feeling sad, anxious, “empty,” hopeless, pessimistic, guilty, worthless, or helpless
  • Loss of interest in hobbies and activities you once enjoyed
  • Changes in eating and/or sleeping patterns
 
  If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms (or others not listed here), see a doctor to get a professional diagnosis.  
 
  ©2007 Rodale Inc. This selection of articles was paid for by Depend. The editorial staff of Rodale Publications was not involved in the production of this special section.   |   We value your thoughts and suggestions. Please tell us what you think of this program.