Anxiety and Depression with cancer

Hi @riss81

I didn’t suffer from depression during treatment (or now) but I have long held that some form of mental health protection should be offered to cancer patients as a matter of course. A cancer diagnosis and treatment almost invariably carries with it some upheaval to normal life, sometimes financial hardship, changes in physical and often sexual norms, may drag up old wounds or conflicts and, of course, carries the fear of death. If you are in a happy relationship, well supported, with no nausea or fatigue, with job security, good insurance cover and the ability to advocate for yourself (as I was), some counselling, at least, may still be useful. I certainly benefitted from it, long term. Anti-depressants are part of the tools used to protect mental health but there are others. Your oncologist or GP should be able to make a referral. Your mind and feelings are affected too, it’s common and normal and may need professional help, just as your physical condition does. Best wishes. 

Hi @riss81

I think most of us go thru some level of depression during their diagnosis & treatment, whether on chemo or not ..... just the level keeps changing ...  :(

Have you Checked out "What You Don't Know Until You Do", with Dr Charlotte Tottman (see the link to her first podcast below.) She is a Breast Cancer Psychologist who was diagnosed with BC a few years ago and had a double mastectomy (no reconstruction.) 

The podcasts are brilliant to listen to - and cover pretty well every emotion/anxiety that most of us have gone thru since Day 1 of diagnosis. (There are 2 series)
https://www.bcna.org.au/resource-hub/podcasts/season-1-episode-1-d-day-diagnosis-shock/

You can read a bit more about her here too .... (click on the PDF document below - an interview with The Herald.)

Take care & all the best

Hi @riss81, I ended up seeing a psychologist when I was diagnosed 4 years ago as I was so overwhelmed. I found it really helped me. If you have a breast care nurse, please ask them if they can recommend some options for you. I found that whilst chemo is a physical challenge, the mental challenge is enormous. My nurses also explained that chemo messes with hormones which may explain the change in your moods. Please let your health team know how you are feeling, don’t try to tough it out as your emotional wellbeing is as important as your physical health. I also called the Cancer Council as they also offer a free service. This was also very helpful. Take care 🌸

Hi @riss81,

I agree with you & the responses of which have good advice. I'm finding the same that my moods are affected which is understandable as we navigate this journey. Sometimes it's hard to know what to do for the best I'm hoping my return to work next week will help after finishing AC chemo which I definitely couldn't have worked through, as the Paclitaxel seems much easier to handle (fingers crossed this continues!!)
As women we are generally stoic & I know I don't like to make a fuss but really we need to care about all aspects including the head/mental space. Sharing in this forum is of great benefit whether it's just to read others who are brave enough to reach out & say it out loud.
You've helped me realise that I need to speak to my team & not just potter along struggling so thank you! 
Good luck 😁

Hi @riss81
Agree with all comments above.
I never suffered depression but as my husband said I am more like a hurricane - hysteria briefly followed by moving on !
I did feel the need to see a psychologist specialuzing in cancer related distress and it was very helpful after my diagnosis.
The best thing she said to me was not only was it ok to cry it fulfilled a cathartic need.
I still cry now and then 2  years later - usually triggered by something ( I bawled on and off for 3 days after Peta Murphy died ).
I also thought the Charlotte Tottman podcasts were very good .
Take care it’s a shitfight but you will get through it .
🌺

Thank you every one for the comments I have actually got an appointment with a cancer psychiatrist on Monday. Im glad my comming forward with this has made others feel comfortable to share. As i have felt very much alone in the mental side of things up un till now. So thank you. These situations must be common or Peter Mcalam cancer center would not have a psychological Department and pepople who specialise in  cancer and mental health if it wasnt. Xxxx