Feeling Down And Out

dorothyt

I really don't know why I'm feeling so down. This is the season to be jolly,but I'm not. Maybe it's the medicine.

Eil4186

I can understand
Hi Dorothy, this is a tough time of year, especially if you are dealing with something stressful or upsetting. And I think that having or having had cancer qualifies. I think that it takes quite a while to get back to feeling normal both physically and emotionally after dealling with cancer and treatment.

Well, I don't know if normal is the right word either. I really believe that we are forced into accepting a whole different way of thinking and feeling. But with that said, I think we can feel good again. I know that I am beginning latetly, after more that 2 years to begin to feel a bit more happy about life in general. Oh, I guess that every day, even the good days, have their moments of fear and worry about cancer, but the happy, positive moments are starting to outnumber the bad.

The holidays are difficult I think because the advertisements, commercials etc...make us feel like everyone else is jolly and celebratory and that life should be perfect at this time of year. I think it almost accentuates the fact that this horrible thing happened to us.

Try to not think about the holidays too much. The holidays can actually cause stress. I try to concentrate on all the good things in my life at this time. All the things that I got so excited about before my cancer like putting up the tree and decorations, gift shopping etc...now seem so small and trivial, and meaningless. I seem to get more comfort and peace from going to church and prayer esp. at this time of year since my cancer. Its as though I need to cling to something bigger than cancer.

But you will find your own source of comfort to get you through this time. Maybe there is a particular friend or family member that you love being with or music or past time that calms you. I love listening to my meditation/visualization CDs. They calm and relax me.

Hang in there, life is not the way it was, and there will be things that used to bring you joy that now cause depression, but you can counteract this by finding distractions that bring you relaxation and peace. Keep in touch. Eil

young_one

What meds are you taking?
What meds are you taking? Are you still in treatment?

KathiM

Nah, it's the season....
I, too, am experiencing 'bah, humbug'. But any counsellor will tell you that their business booms around the holidays. Too much stress on being jolly maybe.

I took a good look at what could possibly be causing my sadness. Wrote it down. Tore it up. I felt much better for just identifying it.

Hugs, Kathi

chenheart

Holiday Blues
Dorothy~

I agree that by Holiday Time, we have already been through so much that sometimes it's hard to "stop and smell the holly". Or is it mistletoe? Add the global economy to the mix, a dose of mortality, and trying to adjust to what is becoming our "new normal"~ is it any wonder we are not jumping for joy ?

I am better now, but I realized a few years ago that what was wrong with me and my attitude was that I was JEALOUS of those around me who were untouched by cancer. It seemed to me they were going on their merry way, while I was scarred, both physically and emotionally by this Beast called Cancer. Once I had this ephiphany, I was almost instantly relieved of the feelings!

Surround yourself with people and places you love, and remember to rest when you need to.
We love you. sister.

Hugs,
Claudia

dorothyt

chenheart said:

Holiday Blues
Dorothy~

I agree that by Holiday Time, we have already been through so much that sometimes it's hard to "stop and smell the holly". Or is it mistletoe? Add the global economy to the mix, a dose of mortality, and trying to adjust to what is becoming our "new normal"~ is it any wonder we are not jumping for joy ?

I am better now, but I realized a few years ago that what was wrong with me and my attitude was that I was JEALOUS of those around me who were untouched by cancer. It seemed to me they were going on their merry way, while I was scarred, both physically and emotionally by this Beast called Cancer. Once I had this ephiphany, I was almost instantly relieved of the feelings!

Surround yourself with people and places you love, and remember to rest when you need to.
We love you. sister.

Hugs,
Claudia

Thanks everyone for your
Thanks everyone for your posts . I think I'm down because I do not have anything to do. I put up my Christmas decorations, I go to church every Sunday. I'm not working, I did not realize how much of my time working two jobs were taking up. oh, the medicine is Arimidex.

young_one

dorothyt said:

Thanks everyone for your
Thanks everyone for your posts . I think I'm down because I do not have anything to do. I put up my Christmas decorations, I go to church every Sunday. I'm not working, I did not realize how much of my time working two jobs were taking up. oh, the medicine is Arimidex.

Arimidex IS a depressant.
Arimidex IS a depressant. That said, it is likely a combination of everything exaspirated by the Arimidex. can you do a little volunteer work to distract yourself? Even something like reading at the library to kids. It could do some good to give yourself a helping hand by helping others. Sort of a purpose. Or take up a hobby. I quilt. Yes, I am 30 and I quilt. I find it soothing to hand quilt, I puzzle, I read, I do crossword puzzles. Or if find that you can't find the energy or want-to you can ask for a mild anti-depressant to counter the effects of the Arimidex. Absolutely no shame in it. Depression is often a chemical imbalance that can be corrected. Just my 2 cents.

dorothyt

young_one said:

Arimidex IS a depressant.
Arimidex IS a depressant. That said, it is likely a combination of everything exaspirated by the Arimidex. can you do a little volunteer work to distract yourself? Even something like reading at the library to kids. It could do some good to give yourself a helping hand by helping others. Sort of a purpose. Or take up a hobby. I quilt. Yes, I am 30 and I quilt. I find it soothing to hand quilt, I puzzle, I read, I do crossword puzzles. Or if find that you can't find the energy or want-to you can ask for a mild anti-depressant to counter the effects of the Arimidex. Absolutely no shame in it. Depression is often a chemical imbalance that can be corrected. Just my 2 cents.

Thanks Young-one, I do feel
Thanks Young-one, I do feel better when I get out. I walk everyday. I did not know Arimidex is a depressant. I knew that feeling depress is a side affect. I learn something new everyday . Thanks.

mgm42

young_one said:

Arimidex IS a depressant.
Arimidex IS a depressant. That said, it is likely a combination of everything exaspirated by the Arimidex. can you do a little volunteer work to distract yourself? Even something like reading at the library to kids. It could do some good to give yourself a helping hand by helping others. Sort of a purpose. Or take up a hobby. I quilt. Yes, I am 30 and I quilt. I find it soothing to hand quilt, I puzzle, I read, I do crossword puzzles. Or if find that you can't find the energy or want-to you can ask for a mild anti-depressant to counter the effects of the Arimidex. Absolutely no shame in it. Depression is often a chemical imbalance that can be corrected. Just my 2 cents.

Your 2 cents
Hey youngone, I think your 2 cents is worth a whole lot more than 2 cents. I'm 66 and have just learned a heck of a lot from your post. I didn't realize arimidex was a depressant, and I've been on it for about 6 months. It's Christmastime and I'm depressed. I finished treatments this year at the end of June and lost my dad in between chemo and radiation. This year is a bummer. Even my adorable grandchildren can't seem to lighten my spirits. I'm a boot strap person but I just can't pull myself up. Now - I feel a bit better learning that arimidex may be part of the problem. Thanks a bunch. Hugs Marilynn