Bartonella is a common co-infection that’s often contracted at the same time as Lyme. It’s a gram negative bacteria, which means that it has a thin cell wall which is surrounded by a thick plasma membrane. In contrast, a gram positive bacterium has a thick cell wall and no outer plasma membrane. Most antibiotics work by breaking down the cell walls of bacteria. The outer membrane on gram negative bacteria mean many antibiotics don’t work – and this applies to Bartonella.
Bartonella bacteria enter the endothelial cells which line blood vessels, and so Bartonella can affect the entire vascular system. Symptoms range from fatigue, swollen lymph glands, liver & spleen issues, eye, skin and heart problems, abdominal and intestinal issues as well as a whole host of neurological complications. In this post we’ll have a look at some of the emotional impacts of Bartonella can affect ouremotional state.
A chronic illness of any kind comes with its fair share of mental health hurdles. Feelings of depression and hopelessness are often a completely normal reaction to a significant life change. However, when the chronic illness in question has direct impact on emotional and mental health these issues can be compounded.
As with all advice about mental health, please seek help from your GP or from a confidential helpline, such as Mind, if you feel you’re at risk.
1. Brain fog
Possibly the most common emotional impact of Bartonella, brain fog is usually described as having memory problems, lack of mental clarity and poor concentration. It can affect different people in different ways, but it can be especially frustrating and worrying if you’re unaware that it could be a symptom of Lyme & Co. Brain fog can range from the slightly humorous (trying to unlock your front door with your Oyster card) to the downright frightening (briefly forgetting the names of loved ones, such as a sibling or child). Suffering with brain fog is like not having ‘joined up thinking’. Even the simplest of tasks, such as brushing your teeth, can seem insurmountable. You may know that you need to walk to the bathroom, turn on the tap, apply some toothpaste to your toothbrush, and brush… but you are just unable to follow those steps.
You may find yourself unable to remember the simplest of words in a conversation, or perhaps you ask someone the same question three times. It’s extremely common to simply be unable to concentrate on any task. You may be left feeling isolated as a result.
2. Anxiety
A frequent guest star with Bartonella is a general state of anxiety. Panic attacks can also feature regularly. Individuals with a predisposition to anxiety may be at a higher risk of experiencing an intensification of symptoms as there may already be a slight chemical imbalance (in the same way that Bartonella may settle in previously injured joints). Many put an increase in symptoms down to a worsening anxiety problem without considering Bartonella.
Anxiety can be a debilitating problem, with a number of knock on effects in the body. Sufferers may also experience heart palpitations, digestive discomfort and nausea. A panic attack can often feel as if you’re literally dying. Another aspect of Bartonella related anxiety can be unwanted, compulsive thoughts and actions. This may be misdiagnosed as OCD in some cases.
Interestingly, in Traditional Chinese Medicine this kind of anxiety is related to an imbalance in the Spleen. We also know that Bartonella resides in the liver and spleen. As a result, tonic herbs for the spleen are often recommended, along with a meditative practice.
3. Rage
A common emotional effect of Bartonella is rage. It doesn’t appear to simply be feelings of anger at play, but a lack of impulse control. It can often seem as though a small annoyance will trigger disproportionate feelings of anger, which take a great deal of energy to control.
Unsurprisingly, rage is associated with the liver in Traditional Chinese Medicine. Not only does Bartonella reside in the liver and spleen, but Lyme itself compromises the liver and detox pathways.
4. Depression & Hopelessness
We briefly touched upon how depression and hopeless can be a normal emotional response to chronic illness. However, Bartonella can exacerbate any predisposition to depression and accelerate its symptoms. Depression symptoms include:
- Low mood
- Low self-esteem
- Being tearful or weepy
- Feelings of guilt
- Losing motivation or interest in activities
- Irritability
- Thoughts of suicide
Those suffering with depression are often extremely adept at covering it up, but it’s incredibly important to reach out for support. In mild to moderate depression, coping mechanisms and lifestyle changes may be sufficient to alleviate some symptoms. Sometimes, a little more help is needed and there are a vast array of options which can be provided by your doctor. There’s no shame in that – we all need a helping hand now and again.
5. Dissociation & Depersonalisation
Dissociation involves the feeling of being detached. Depersonalisation is a type of dissociation that specifically involves the feeling of being detached from yourself and your identity. These can be extremely frightening symptoms with good reason. You may feel as if even your family are not really real, and that you aren’t related to them. This can even occur with your own children, which engenders feelings of fear and guilt. You may also feel as if you’re experiencing your life through someone else’s body. The people around you may feel unreal, as if they’re robots or actors.
All of these symptoms can be particularly distressing, but understanding that they may be a symptom of Bartonella can help to reduce the confusion about why it may be happening. It also provides hope that these symptoms can and will get better as you beat the Lyme & Co. This understanding may help you to hold fast through the flares and remember that it will pass.
If you are experiencing mental health impacts of Lyme or Bartonella, please seek help. Either from a family member, friend or your doctor – there is no shame in this struggle. After all, if you broke your leg you’d go to the doctor, wouldn’t you? Mental health is no different.
Have you experienced any emotional impacts of a Bartonella infection? I’d love to hear from you. Let me know in the comments below!
Sources:
Bruno B. Chomel, 2006, “Bartonella Spp. in Pets and Effect on Human Health“
