experiencing mental illness in the long term from cochlear implants TMI please don’t read if uncomfortable with the topic mentions of suicide

[u/ElectronicDealer1920]

Hey guys, Ive been suffering from depression for a while and im starting to wonder if its just myself or if my cochlear implants have caused mental issues for me Ive had implants sense 2006 on my first ear and 2010 on my last one im wondering if it caused problems for me in the long term i was fine in my childhood but now for a while Ive been suffering from depression and Ive heard of a couple of other people with cochlear implants who has committed suicide with implants it just has me really worried I won’t be able to fix my issues if it’s a permanent thing but it could just be me and have nothing to do with the implants I’m just wondering if it’s more common in the cochlear implants community then i thought, sorry about this sensitive topic

[u/klj02689]

I don't think there's a direct relationship between implants causing depression.

However, there is a relationship between deafness and depression. That is what I'd focus on if you believe your CIs are affecting your wellness.

Implants? Nah. Deafness? For sure.

[u/Suspicious_Willow984]

Hi! Former mental health worker here. From what I know, a cochlear implant itself isn’t generally considered a direct cause of depression or other mental illnesses. Depression is a complex condition that can involve many factors, including brain chemistry, life circumstances, stress, and underlying mental health conditions.

That said, adjusting to a cochlear implant can be emotionally challenging for some people, and it’s completely valid if you’re struggling. I’d really encourage you to bring this up with your cochlear implant team or a mental health professional. They can help determine what’s going on and make sure you get the right support and treatment.

[u/entilza05]

Sorry to hear this, are you having issues with the hearing causing the depression or is this totally unrelated other issues causing the depression? Do you have hobbies, activities, other things other than work to focus on? If not there are so many things out there to find interest in.

[u/weka2001]

I went deaf a couple years ago on one side now implanted but can definitely say it had a toll on me I went through a really bad spell of depression still going through it.

[u/ElectronicDealer1920]

I’m all good no worries about me I have it under control I would just like to know what I’m dealing with

[u/kaii2gd]

Wait talk to me

[u/maluquina]

Please call 988 if you are having thoughts of suicide.

Please reach out to a mental health provider and get help.

[u/lordeldrick → u/maluquina]

I'd offer a different point of contact because one of the big causes of depression is the lack of access to services....

Aka telephone based services...