Depression

I wish it was as easy as that.Many of us are on anti hormone medication to prevent cancer coming back.The side effects can include debilitating hot flushes,joint pain, sleeplessness and low mood. We often need another medication to counteract all that.We know diet and exercise helps but it is sometimes hard to implement when you are not in the right headspace or health space.But we are strong women here and with support we usually take baby steps towards getting back on our perch.

                                                                                      Tonya

sorry to hear you have depression, i know how you feel, i too had depression a few months after treatment, my doc prescribed anti depressants, and i fought against taking them, "i am a strong person, i can get through this", but eventually my doc told me a high percentage of bc survivors suffer depression after treatment, so i gave in and took the magic pills, as he advised. and i felt so much better,  i took these for a year re his advice, and came off them, and must say i am back to normal, he did tell me i was one of the lucky ones who recognised what was happening and got help, which is half the battle, so good luck i am sure you will find the right medication even for a short time and come out the other end, back to your old self.  by the way i am on arimidex for 5 years , after chemo, and radio. know we are all here for you and please feel free to add me as a contact. keep in touch, regards Moira

Good for you Debbie.  Thinking of you - just remember the hole can only be so deep!  I can already see you climbing out of it. I don't need to tell you how good it feels to be getting out of my first 5 days after chemo hole.  I just keep thinking about the jubilance that the other girls have shown on finishing their chemo treatment.  There are good things ahead for all of us XLeonie

Went to my Dr today changed my medication from Antenex to Mirtazapine for anxiety.Last couple of days felt like I was going to faint very light headed, plus not feeling well, so tired. Going to see someone tomorrow about the depression and anxiety. Thanks for all your advice. Will be glad when I am out of this dark hole I am in.

Hi Debbie,

I got depressed on Tamoxifen,started having dark thoughts and I've never had anxiety or depression in the past.You might need your antidepressants adjusted.It's only been 5 weeks for you so it's understandable that you are still feeling scared.It takes awhile to get your confidence back but you will.Just keep reminding yourself that it wasn't in your lymph nodes and it was early bc and they got it all.The odds are in your favour and you are taking medication to give you extra insurance.When you dwell on it too much you spiral down.You need to do "normal"things to distract you from these dark thoughts.Glad you are going to see someone Debbie cos it probably has alot to do with your meds. Will be thinking of you.

                              luv Tonya xx

Hi Debbie,

I got depressed on Tamoxifen,started having dark thoughts and I've never had anxiety or depression in the past.You might need your antidepressants adjusted.It's only been 5 weeks for you so it's understandable that you are still feeling scared.It takes awhile to get your confidence back but you will.Just keep reminding yourself that it wasn't in your lymph nodes and it was early bc and they got it all.The odds are in your favour and you are taking medication to give you extra insurance.When you dwell on it too much you spiral down.You need to do "normal"things to distract you from these dark thoughts.Glad you are going to see someone Debbie cos it probably has alot to do with your meds. Will be thinking of you.

                              luv Tonya xx

Sorry to hear Debbie that you feel so anxious. we all handle things differantly and nothing about this is normal!  its so hard to get our heads around how to feel.     i had trouble coming to terms with things and have started seeing a psychologist. i struggled   with the fact that i needed help but im glad i asked. it has got my head into a better place,having differant strategies for when i get anxious.hope you get it sorted out,

anniexx

Sorry to hear Debbie that you feel so anxious. we all handle things differantly and nothing about this is normal!  its so hard to get our heads around how to feel.     i had trouble coming to terms with things and have started seeing a psychologist. i struggled   with the fact that i needed help but im glad i asked. it has got my head into a better place,having differant strategies for when i get anxious.hope you get it sorted out,

anniexx

Sorry to hear Debbie that you feel so anxious. we all handle things differantly and nothing about this is normal!  its so hard to get our heads around how to feel.     i had trouble coming to terms with things and have started seeing a psychologist. i struggled   with the fact that i needed help but im glad i asked. it has got my head into a better place,having differant strategies for when i get anxious.hope you get it sorted out,

anniexx

Hi Debbie,  sorry to hear that you are feeling down.  Can't comment much on the drug Zoladex but Tamoxifin I was fine with. Drugs do wonderful things but also play havoc as well.  I am actually feeling pretty low at the moment as well.  It does get really hard to handle at times.  I am very pleased to see that you are going to see someone about the depression.  It is nothing to be ashamed about and affects lots of bc sufferers.  Five weeks is not a very long time to get over such a major challenge so don't be too hard on yourself.  Have you needed to have further scans ?  Maybe you could ask your specialist if this would be necessary and it might help to alleviate some of your anxieties knowing that you have checked things out.  Take care of yourself as best you can.  Have you family support close by?  I am sure the other girls will have some positive vibes for you as well. Hugs to you.XLeonie