Forum Discussion
What helps you when you are down or stressed
Hey Ladies,
Just thought I would put it out there.........you know me. There seems to be quite a few posts lately stating how people are depressed, sad, lonely, upset, stressed and all the other feelings and emotions we have to deal with in our lives either from just general life or because of the dreaded breast cancer.
I thought I would start by saying I have been going through an ongoing tough time now for a couple of years, with one thing or another and it was while I was doing my six weeks of hyperbaric chamber every day that I had time to think. I decided I needed to do something to try and turn my life around.
I have started what some people call a "visualisation board" but mine isn't so much 'what I want from life' - mine is more of 'what should I be grateful, happy, feeling lucky and all those things that we need to feel to get through every day To feel good and happy.
I have photos of all my loved ones starting with my husband, my BCNA beastie, my daughter and precious grandaughter and other special people in my life. I have things that make me smile, I have words of encouragement of which one is very special as it is a pink sister picture with "Michele Be Strong" which I definitely needed every single day I did the hyperbaric. I have to thank Donna from Dubbo for this one.
Some of the quotes are things like:
- "Every day in every way I am getting better and better" "
- "I have decided to be happy because it is good for my health"
- "Be someone you want to be around"
I really find this helps me get through my days every day. I also have one very special verse that Janey235 wrote for me that I cherish and I make sure I read it every day.
I have started Yoga once a week and I try to Meditate most days but the hardest part with that is not falling asleep.....hahahahaha
I hope this helps and hopefully I have opened the path for other Ladies to come forward with what they do to help themselves get through their bad, sad and stressful days. In return we can maybe help some of our other pink sisters that are doing it tough.
Lots of love today, tomorrow and always,
Mich
xoxoxoxooxoxoxox
73 Replies
thank you so much for your warm responses. I am seeing a psychologist but she hasn't had cancer and I think there is only so much empathising that is useful from anyone who isn't in the 'club'. I have an appointment scheduled with my GP on Monday so I will discuss the possibility of anti depressants with her. I must say it helps a great deal to hear from others that it is normal - strange version of normal - to be feeling worried and I'm definately working on staying in the moment - I'm not dead yet.
thanks again
Sara
Hi Sue I am sorry that you are feeling so anxious about your future. I think we all have days like that but if you have been feeling like this for some time I agree with both Sue and Deanne that it may be time to seek professional help. If you went throught a public hospital I would give them a ring and line up an appointment to see their psychologists. Alternatively, make an appointment to see your GP who will be able to assess whether or not you need antidepressants and can set up a GP Management Plan which will give you 6 initial free visits to a psycholgist. Of course if the psycholgist feels you need more sessions they will request another referral from your GP.
I can't recommend this highly enough because after all you have been through you deserve now to be enjoying each day to the full.
All the best with this and please keep us updated on how you get on.
Big hugs and enouragement to you.
Love
Joy xx
- Our poor bodies have had so many drugs during chemo that I am sure this messes with our emotions and thinking processes BIG time. It can be a struggle to get ourselves feeling good again. It might be worth trying some of the suggestions that people have found helpful on this blog. I personally find it helps me to challenge the fearful, negative thoughts with the reality that most people who are diagnosed and have treatment go onto lead healthy cancer free lives. Having endured all the treatment I just want to enjoy feeling better and knowing that I have done everything I could to get rid of the cancer. I know that worrying won't help, looking after myself (diet, exercise, etc) will. Have you spoken to a counsellor at all? A lot of people find it helpful to talk things over with a professional. They would also be able to advise you whether antidepressants would help in your situation. For your sake don't spend too much time feeling like this. Life is too precious to feel down for too long. Hope you can find something to help you feel good again soon. Take care. Deanne xxx
- So sorry you are feeling so down. If you can possibly talk to a psychologist it may help you. In most public and private hospitals there would be someone who could support you and discuss your options or ask your GP for a referral. It is normal to feel down after everything you have gone through but don't be frightened to ask for professional help. My best wishes go out to you. Cheers. Sue
I am having a terrible few weeks of feeling so down, desperate and depressed about everything BC. I was so worried over Christmas that this might be my last Christmas. I made everyone cry, including myself and my husband. He is keen for me to go on antidepressants, which has been suggested to me by a couple of other people as well. Does anyone feel like this has helped them? I've finished chemo almost four weeks ago and about to start radiation next Thursday. I just feel such terror at the treatments not working and getting some secondary cancer, and I'm so frightened.
Yayyyyyyy way to go. You will luv it. Do you know what type of yoga it is. My one is called Kundalini (koondarleeni pronounced) and I just crave for my Friday nights to come around. I think I can really get in to it now where before BC I just couldn't GET IT where as I get it now.
Have fun luvly, enjoy it and relax.
Lots of luv always, Mich xoxoxoxoxo
Hahahahaha Bobbie, i walk past them at our shopping centre. Next time I am going to stop and enjoy the moment or the 5mins at least.
Thanks hun. I hope you have got that beautiful smile of yours still happening.
Luv always, Mich xoxoxxooxoxox
My grand daughter and I always make for those chairs, we love them. We can't convince my daughter to give them a go, she just laughs at our oows and arhs.
- I left out a very important thing that l should have put first on the list!! I have a little tradition l call a "Medicare Rub"...as l am receiving a mountain of bills (even though l have health cover), making trips to the Medicare office is now part of my life, usually a weekly thing. (If not more often). My Medicare is located in an small shopping centre, & l'm not sure if this was careful planning on Medicare's part, or just lucky placement by the shopping centre, but there are 2 "Relaxation Station" massage recliners right out the front of Medicare, the coin operated ones like they have in airports. They are AMAZING, & for only $2 you get a brilliant massage of your legs, back & neck that seems to go forever, even though its only 5 minutes...l normally love proper massages but was worried that because of my port & lumpectomy scarring l might not be able to lay on my stomach for long enough to get one...problem solved here! I now thoroughly look forward to my trips to medicare, must look hilarious sprawled out in the chair, but l love it! Sorts my bone pain out, even if its just for 5 minutes! Occasionally an extra coin might fall into the slot...oops! If you haven't already tried one of these Relaxation Station chairs, give it a go! From Bobbie
- My first one is going to be yoga,I'm going to start next Monday nite... I think that's a good start:) ((hugs)) Christine xox
