Is it possible for a stomach infection to cause depression-like symptoms?

Question

Hello doctor,

Ten days back, I suffered from a stomach infection, and after that, a stupid thought came to my mind and after that my sexual orientation was changing. I got afraid and felt weird. Suddenly next day, I started having depression-like symptoms. I could not enjoy anything, nor was I feeling any happiness. After a few days, I realized it was a ridiculous thought, and nothing was wrong with me, but I still felt brain fog. I cannot concentrate on my work and am not excited to do anything. I feel pressure on my brain. Even if I hardly feel romantic by listening to any song, I am having a proper erection but feeling very little or no orgasm and pleasure. I had anxiety and depression 12 years ago, but I took treatment and was cured. Please help.

Thank you.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I have read your query and understand your concern.

First, we have to ensure that it is clinical depression. Do a self-rating test of depression like Zung's self-rating depression scale, which you can easily find online, and if it is indicative of depression, consult a psychiatrist either on this platform or nearby.

Try these things that will help:

Do breathing exercises or meditation daily.

Have a balanced diet and be involved in some exercise or sport.

Maintain a stress diary in which you write a daily log of whatever comes to your mind uncensored and never read them again.

Remember, every problem has a solution, and you just need to try solving it.

I hope this helps.

Regards.