Depression and anxiety

You can do it!

Hi Carol,

 

I am also in remission from primary CNS lymphoma (a brain tumour), and I have been so for more than 1 1/2 years now. 

When I was sick, I thought about what was really important to me, and I found that living is not, but my family is.

So what could I do for my important family?

The answer was that I could fight the disease by accepting tough treatment, and I could try to keep my spirits up.

That way I could contribute to the relative well-being of my family. When I was balanced and calm, then they were fairly OK.

I think that we feel well if we try to live for others, not for ourselves.

 

Best wishes

Sten 

 

Depression and anxiety

Carol: I too am in remission from stage 4 NHL now two years free. I read a report once that struck me right at the heart of my anxiety,depression,panic attacks. Seems our inquisitive minds play a big role in panic attacks and anxiety problems. The report went on to say - when one feels an attack coming on - say to yourself- ok I feel it coming on- I'll sit down and let it pass-it won't kill me- it's no big deal. I tried it several times and low and behold I no longer get panic attacks. I suffered from them for so many years but now am set free from all that anxiety and depression and able to lead a normal life. I guess I have also increased my faith in God-so that also has helped in my opinion. Let me know if this helps you- I know how hard anxiety,depression and panic attacks can be on us,any help is so needed to overcome them. God bless you- will be praying for you. Hugs-Steve

jimwins said:

Hi Carol

I am very glad you are in remission - that's wonderful news!  I can certainly relate to depression and I do think there is a lack of mental health follow up after cancer treatment.  When we are diagnosed and go through treatment, we tend to become "strong" and go into somewhat robotic survival mode just  to get through everything - this is one way I think our mind protects ourselves.  After the treatment and that lovely word "remission", I think a lot of those emotions and fears we put away in the "survival lockup" start tumbling out and it's difficult to deal with them.  There is also the fear of recurrence and the anxiety that comes with that.  I am almost 3 years in remission and I still get very anxious around scan time - this is normal and supposedly gets better over time. 

You are not selfish to post about this.  We understand here .  Any advice I might suggest would be to talk to your doctors - make sure the anti-depressants are right and needed at this time.  Those medications can sometimes worsen things for certain people so you need to discuss that and the panic attacks.  Also, consider counselling and/or support groups for survivors - that may really help.  Try getting out of your routine by doing some new/different things that you think you would enjoy.  Sometimes a change of scenery/routine can help us reallign ourselves. 

I tend to be the funny guy here and somewhat of a "cheerleader" but I do have my dark cloud days.  My life has changed so much and I am still trying to find new meaning and purpose in my life after cancer.  I admit I haven't followed some of the suggestions I offered to you - I am human too .  I hope things get better and you are welcome here anytime, Carol. 

Big hugs,

Jim

 

 

 

 

 

Great Reply

Great reply Jim. I began treatment a week and a half ago, and I needed to hear this and to save it for future reference. Your cheerleading is welcome. I have gone into survival mode to the point of unconsciously thinking I have to help everyone around me survive my illness as well. It's draining to be happy and strong for everyone. They have a false impression that I'm unsinkable and "wow, you're amazing and so strong!!!" When really I'm freaking inside. Perhaps time to be real and give them a glimpse of what really is.