Depression after Treatment

Oh, not sure if you know, but there are limited anti-depressants you can use when on Tamoxifen. Effexor is the most common one people take, but it is not a short term commitment as it is a very addictive drug that is hard to get off and has its own set of side effects including weight gain and lack of libido. Also forgot to say above that the psychiatrist asked me to make a list of 10 things that I used to like doing that I could do again. She also asked me to take myself off to a cafe or a park or somewhere for a couple of hours reading a book by myself at least once a week. Since starting the list before Christmas I have bought some jigsaw puzzles and enjoyed doing them. I have bought some comics and read them just like I did as a teenager. I have been doing find-a-word puzzles too. I think these have been helping me find some enjoyment in life again :-) Make a list of 10 things that you used to do.... Jenn

Oh, not sure if you know, but there are limited anti-depressants you can use when on Tamoxifen. Effexor is the most common one people take, but it is not a short term commitment as it is a very addictive drug that is hard to get off and has its own set of side effects including weight gain and lack of libido. Also forgot to say above that the psychiatrist asked me to make a list of 10 things that I used to like doing that I could do again. She also asked me to take myself off to a cafe or a park or somewhere for a couple of hours reading a book by myself at least once a week. Since starting the list before Christmas I have bought some jigsaw puzzles and enjoyed doing them. I have bought some comics and read them just like I did as a teenager. I have been doing find-a-word puzzles too. I think these have been helping me find some enjoyment in life again :-) Make a list of 10 things that you used to do.... Jenn

It has hit me too. But suspiciously a few weeks after starting Tamoxifen... I ended up having an emergency appointment with the psych onc at my centre because I found myself crying all day and with an overwhelming feeling of sadness. I felt so much better after crying in her office for an hour and telling her how much I hated this whole expereince and hate what it has done to me and what it means for my future life. She got me in to see the centre's psychiatrist who listened to me and at the end of our time told me she felt that I was entitled to feel sad and angry. She didn't think I needed anti-depressants but regular meetings with the psych onc for a while. Hope this helps in some way... Jenn

Hi Helen, I'm so sorry to hear that your feeling depressed. I think what Julia and Deb have said is spot on. It is perfectly understandable to feel depressed after all that we've been through. I know in my case, even though I got off quite lightly compared to some, I still feel down at times. I felt like I was travelling along quite nicely until BC came along and now nothing will ever be as good. Mybreasts are uneven and scarred, I'm sick of wearing the damm wig (but I hate my very short hair), I feel well but I don't seem to have as much stamina as before, I feel guilty and worired every time I have a glass of wine or a piece of cake - will I make the cancer come back? Did I cause it in the first place? It's hard to keep it all in perspective sometimes.

Then there's the tamoxifen. I've been taking a half dose for about a month in the hope of letting my body adjust to it gradually - will start full dose tomorrow. Maybe that is to blame. I know you also said you weren't getting much sleep with the tamoxifen.That would certainly make me feel like crap I've read that some women take a mild anti-depressant with tamoxifen which helps minimise hot flushes as well as improve mood. I think it is called Endep or something similar. I agree that you should see a doctor and see what can be done. The relaxation and meditation sounds helpful too. I might look into something like that myself when the kids get back to school. Anyway, take care Helen. I'm thinking of you and hope you feel better soon. Janet x

Hi Helen, I'm so sorry to hear that your feeling depressed. I think what Julia and Deb have said is spot on. It is perfectly understandable to feel depressed after all that we've been through. I know in my case, even though I got off quite lightly compared to some, I still feel down at times. I felt like I was travelling along quite nicely until BC came along and now nothing will ever be as good. Mybreasts are uneven and scarred, I'm sick of wearing the damm wig (but I hate my very short hair), I feel well but I don't seem to have as much stamina as before, I feel guilty and worired every time I have a glass of wine or a piece of cake - will I make the cancer come back? Did I cause it in the first place? It's hard to keep it all in perspective sometimes.

Then there's the tamoxifen. I've been taking a half dose for about a month in the hope of letting my body adjust to it gradually - will start full dose tomorrow. Maybe that is to blame. I know you also said you weren't getting much sleep with the tamoxifen.That would certainly make me feel like crap I've read that some women take a mild anti-depressant with tamoxifen which helps minimise hot flushes as well as improve mood. I think it is called Endep or something similar. I agree that you should see a doctor and see what can be done. The relaxation and meditation sounds helpful too. I might look into something like that myself when the kids get back to school. Anyway, take care Helen. I'm thinking of you and hope you feel better soon. Janet x

Think it takes it toll when everything is all over. I thought I got through it all quite ok then read an article about someone going through stage four breast cancer and didn't handle it . Sort help from. My gp and saw psychologist . All helped and found that has given me new skills to deal with problems that arise now. Wishing you all the best. Deb

Hi, when you think about it, we have just gone through a life threatening situation and now have to live with constant worry about the future, so It's natural to have these feelings I think. I have read that it is very common to keep it together during treatment but then have problems after.

I saw my GP who did me a mental health plan under ATAPS, which entitles me to free counselling with a private psychologist, which has been helpful. She has given me stuff on relaxation, mediation, positive thinking etc.

 

The hospitals also have counsellors but I did not feel a connection with the person there myself.

Also, if you are on tamoxifen, there is some addtional threat of depression due to the estrogen supression.

All the best,

Julia