How many of you have drifted off into what you might call depression?

Coloman
Coloman Member Posts: 52
edited January 2020 in General Cancer
There are days that I feel fine, not to beaten down by treatments and I have a good outlook on life. Followed by a few days of being mad at the world, snapping at everyone, feeling like my life is over and all I'm doing is waiting to die. *Repeat* Does anyone else have this going on? I really don't like the idea of seeing a "therapist". I really hope I can find a way to fix this on my own.

Comments

  • Bengal
    Bengal Member Posts: 518
    edited January 2020
    Yes! Definitely. This is normal under the circumstances we've had dumped on us unwanted. Recognizing this is a first step. Things like support groups or right here on WhatNext can be very helpful; just talking with other people who have (are) facing the same sort of things you are. Things family members and, surprisingly, even your doctors do not understand. Don't totally rule out "therapy" out of hand. I see a mental health counselor and it has been hugely helpful to have someone outside of family, friends or even my healthcare team to unload on. We talk about all sorts of things in compete confidence. It can help lighten that huge load on your shoulders. Hang in there Coloman!
  • GregP_WN
    GregP_WN Member Posts: 742
    edited January 2020
    Coloman, sorry that you are having these issues, you too Bengal. I am not dealing with them during this current diagnosis, but in the beginning of my last I did. One thing I can tell you is that out of all the people that have posted about depression during their diagnosis everyone said that it's a phase, and it will pass. Hang on!
  • BobsProstate
    BobsProstate Member Posts: 56
    edited January 2020
    I have had it.
  • alivenwell
    alivenwell Member Posts: 84
    edited January 2020
    I found myself to be a fighter but that could have started before this ****. However, my border collie mix demanded a good play session and I found her to be my best buddy even on days when I was physically exhausted. I did find stress management like listening to soothing music or working out when no chemo was done really helped. Music I highly recommend Pachelbel's Canon, Dave Lanz, Beethoven's symphonies, Jasmine by Keith Jarrett, Trans Siberian Orchestra, Karl Jenkins, Bach's Brandenburg, La Mer by Debussy, Indigo by Dan Siegel and some hard rock.

    If you like art, they say that is therapeutic. I love to draw and always have a box of crayons or sketch pencils on me. Give me good drawing material, good music and a big piece of paper and I'm content.
  • Jayne
    Jayne Member Posts: 134
    edited January 2020
    I fell into a serious bout with depression, I had a double whammy since my husband and I were both diagnosed with the same cancer at the same time and we knew he was not going to survive. I was offered anti-depressants and originally denied them, but as things got worse, I gave in and am so glad since it truly helped. That, and on days when I could, a nice walk in the sunshine always lifted my spirits. Don't be afraid to ask for something if you need it. It can be temporary until you get to a stable point in your life.

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