Anxiety affecting my day to day life
I was diagnosed with BC November 2014. After 8 months of treatment I am now NED. I continue treatment now with herceptin and hormone therapy. I had issues with anxiety before I was diagnosed but I now I feel worse then ever before. Anxiety is dramatically affecting my day to day life. My GP has prescribed medication but I have not started taking it yet. I would love some feedback on from others who have been or are on medication for anxiety at the moment. Does it really help? Lorraine
Comments
-
Hello Lorraine
I have been on Zoloft (I think thats the name) a couple of times. And yes the medications are marvellous. It takes about 2 weeks to feel the full benefits. I find that I only need to stay on them 2-3 mths, they just get me out of that hole or relentless circle of worrying. Don't really know how they work, but that "worry"part of your brain is deadened.
Keep well Pam
0 -
Thank you Pam, I am not keen on going on to medication but if it does help I will give it a go as I can cannot continue on with this constant state of anxiety. I don't want to be on medication long term, so I hope, like you, a few months will help.
0 -
Agree with you there. Maybe they just give me enough relief to get out and start moving, kind of start helping myself. I don't know. The first time I was very depressed - and counted the hours to take the next pill - as soon as I felt better I kind of start forgetting to take them anyway, but found I could cope by myself .
Pam
0 -
Hi Lorraine,
I've had issues with anxiety for years. The thing that I have found helped the most was some guided relaxation podcasts that I found on iTunes, the best ones were by innerhealth studios. Learning to control my breathing and thoughts via meditation podcasts helped as well, I can recommend the ones by meditation oasis . Having these handy on my ipod has helped me get through some really rough times including the cancer.
Hope that helps.
cheers
Mira
0 -
Hello Lorraine
Did you discuss the issue with your oncologist ? My oncologist advised me that I could not take Zoloft with Tamoxifen as it stops Tamoxifen doing its job. Do check that out.
Zoloft is great but it does take 6 weeks to kick in properly. I was then put on Effexor but that is terrible to get off as the side-effects are awful.
If you need someone to talk to I am here for you - just send me a personal message and we can chat in more detail.
Hugs
Summer :-)
0 -
Thank you Mira, I have tried a little meditation, but my mind tends to wander. I will have a look at your recommendations and give it another go. I really do not want to be reliant on medication.
0 -
Thank you Summer, I have just changed oncologist as my previous one has just retired. I have not discussed this with her as yet but yes you are right I should discuss it with her first, My next appointment with her is not for a few more weeks. I might see if I can get an earlier appointment. I have not started hormone therapy as yet. I having a blood test to decide on which one I need to go on.
My GP has prescribed Effexor. I really do not want to deal with anymore nasty side effects at the moment. I am going to wait and speak to my oncologist first.
0 -
Hi Lorraine,
Its normal for your mind to wander during meditation. When you notice it does just relax and refocus on your breathing. It's like anything, it takes practise and some days your head just wont be in it.
The http://www.meditationoasis.com/ website has some how-to's on meditating.
cheers
Mira
0 -
Hi Lorraine. I would agree with everything that's been said so far. I guess the other thing to think about would be some counselling with a psychologist, if that's available in your area. If you get you GP to write a Mental Health Treatmemt Plan, Medicare will cover some of the cost for up to 10 visits per year. This could help you work on strategies to manage your anxiety, rather than relying on medication. There are also some good online resources available, some provided by government.
Take care, Lyn
0 -
I have thought about some counselling. I think I am entitled to 6 free sessions. I am not to keen to openly talk to someone about my worries but yes, maybe they could suggest some strategies. I have an appointment with my GP on Monday, I will have a chat to her about it, Thank you Lyn.
0 -
Lorraine, I was trying to remember what it was, and came across it the other day. There's a program called "New Access" online, I think federally funded, but run by Beyond Blue. Might be a starting point.
Take care of yourself, Lyn
0
