Help! Suggestions to combat feeling depressed.

cbs6931
cbs6931 Member Posts: 63
edited March 2014 in Anal Cancer #1
I've always been a glass is half full kind of gal, and still am, so much to be thankful for... but I'm finding myself feeling depressed, normally going to the gym and staying active takes care of this, but with the current situation (no stamina) that's out.

My friends are wonderful, but they can't understand any of this not having been through it and it makes it difficult. You guys are the only ones who understand what I'm going through, and I'm so thankful for each of you and this board.

I don't like feeling this way. I'm just not sure what to do at this point, and wondered what some of the rest of you have done to try to lift your spirits that has helped?
(Medication is out - (have never had a problem with depression in the past)had enough of all of it and am off everything including pain killers thank goodness.)

Any suggestions you have will be very much appreciated!

Cathy

Comments

  • JDuke
    JDuke Member Posts: 438
    This too shall
    pass. It is hard to accept that we cannot do the things that we took for granted before treatment. Just remember that your body has been through one hell of a battle and that you need time to recovery emotionally as well as physically. I think we all experienced a certain amount of depression. I did not take medication either, but everyone has to do what is right for them.

    One of the most helpful things for me was a Netflix subscription. My friend gifted me a 3 month subscription during my treatment to keep me distracted, and it did. I ordered and watched every movie that I even thought I might enjoy, especially the comedies.

    Hope you get to the other side of this soon.

    Take care,
    Joanne
  • z
    z Member Posts: 1,414 Member
    Cathy
    Hi Cathy,

    I know that after I went off the pain meds I was a little depressed. I never used pain meds for actual pain before, just recreational use in my youth. I know my depression lasted a little while. I also attributed it to the fact, like Joanne said the hell are bodies have just been through. The chemical confusion going on in our bodies with the healing process, and the adjustment for our bodies to resume a normal ph/alkaline balance, like a swimming pool. Time is the healer, as our bodies recover so will our stamina and mood, everyday is a little better. Just know you will be feeling better, one day at a time. I wish you well. Lori
  • mp327
    mp327 Member Posts: 4,440 Member
    Depression
    Hi Cathy--

    I'm sorry you are having some difficulties with depression/emotions right now. I think you'll find that many, if not all, of us have experienced bouts of that since being diagnosed and going through treatment. The fact that we feel vulnerable and are not able to do some of the things we used to can wreck havoc with our emotions. I have decided to not use medication and when that feeling of gloom and doom enters my mind, I try to keep myself busy. I have found exercise to be very helpful, as it makes me feel stronger, even if I can't do as much as I used to.

    I know you live near me and I would be most happy to begin an e-mail friendship with you if you would like. If you want to exchange addresses, just send me a personal message on here and I'll tell you how you can contact me. I really do not want you to feel alone in this.

    Please remember that with time, this does get better.
  • mp327 said:

    Depression
    Hi Cathy--

    I'm sorry you are having some difficulties with depression/emotions right now. I think you'll find that many, if not all, of us have experienced bouts of that since being diagnosed and going through treatment. The fact that we feel vulnerable and are not able to do some of the things we used to can wreck havoc with our emotions. I have decided to not use medication and when that feeling of gloom and doom enters my mind, I try to keep myself busy. I have found exercise to be very helpful, as it makes me feel stronger, even if I can't do as much as I used to.

    I know you live near me and I would be most happy to begin an e-mail friendship with you if you would like. If you want to exchange addresses, just send me a personal message on here and I'll tell you how you can contact me. I really do not want you to feel alone in this.

    Please remember that with time, this does get better.

    This comment has been removed by the Moderator