Suggestions please

Dawn50

Any helpful suggestions for easing a cancer patients depression?

katenorwood

Hard to do

Hello Dawn,

I myself take an anti-anxiety med daily.  My mind set goes every which way depending on the day.  I think this depends on the place a person is in for tx's....or prognosis.  I do get alot of reminders from well meaning loving people in my life that I'm still alive and kicking.    Does this help ?  Truely, not really.  We have to get to an acceptance of where we are in our disease, and how to take those first baby steps into our new normal.  I use music therapy, candle therapy (except when I was on oxygen !) and try to get out into life at least when I'm feeling strong enough.  I don't know your present circumstances and with your permission I would read your bio.  I also have 9 grandchildren that light my world up.  I don't see them as much as I would like but do talk to them on the phone.  (a little sunshine)  Also if you have someone to talk to....not always a proffessional.  I went into one for help w/depression.....and she only wanted to talk about my bucket list....as if I was already dieing.  Good lord, didn't go back there again !  I hope this helps a bit.  At least know I as a survivor am listening and will be here to just listen.  Good thoughts sent to you and yours !    Katie

cybernonnie

depression

Dawn, I have a med.  I use it only for anxiety.  Depression seems to be off and on with this thing.  I do pray also, I also do the things that make me feel good.  And now, if I want chocolate ice cream, I eat it.  I am looking at this as week to week.  I have one more surgery to get through, pain and more pain.  But I try to keep myself focused on the now and what I am doing.  I am in pulmonary rehab, wonderful thing.  They have me doing things and really, you feel good when your doing them.  Yes I cry.  I have my moments and days of weeps. 

Know you're not alone. We all have this depression.  But sometimes, little things come into your life that lift you.  Could be a bird feeder outside with a few crazy squirrels trying to get the food, it is the pleasure of a shower, it could be losing yourself in a good book.  I have a Barnes and Noble Nook and I love it.  I Skype with my kids and grandkids. and again, I pray. 

cybernonnie

djs123

cybernonnie said:

depression

Dawn, I have a med.  I use it only for anxiety.  Depression seems to be off and on with this thing.  I do pray also, I also do the things that make me feel good.  And now, if I want chocolate ice cream, I eat it.  I am looking at this as week to week.  I have one more surgery to get through, pain and more pain.  But I try to keep myself focused on the now and what I am doing.  I am in pulmonary rehab, wonderful thing.  They have me doing things and really, you feel good when your doing them.  Yes I cry.  I have my moments and days of weeps. 

Know you're not alone. We all have this depression.  But sometimes, little things come into your life that lift you.  Could be a bird feeder outside with a few crazy squirrels trying to get the food, it is the pleasure of a shower, it could be losing yourself in a good book.  I have a Barnes and Noble Nook and I love it.  I Skype with my kids and grandkids. and again, I pray. 

cybernonnie

depression

I like the replies you've gotten, good advice.  As a caretaker my depression and anxiety had reached an all time low.  I recently started on a vitamin that has made a huge diffference in my attitude.  It's like a miracle....I have been on zoloft for about 7 years but still had extremely low serotonin levels.  And about 45 days ago started on L-tryptophan from Source Natural.  I take 1, sometimes more at night.  I am dealing with so much stress due to my husbands illness but find that I am no longer depressed and am handling things better than I ever thought I'd be able.  I'll be interested to know if my serotonin levels have increased.  I suggest you research the vitamin, make sure it works with whatever other medications you are on.  It's worth looking into.

Another thing I hang on to is advice a friend of mine gave me.  I remind myself that "at this very moment everything is good".  A little thing, but it does help.

Good luck

 

 

 

dennycee

Depression

My doctor prescribed Paxil.  It has worked for me for two years.  At first I felt odd.  Inauthentic.  After a few months my feelings started to feel normal.  Tears came when tears were needed, happiness and sorrow felt normal and appropriate.  

Dawn50

Thank you everyone....

Thank you for the comments. He will have a CT on Wednesday...if the Tarceva is not working he won't continue on it... I really think it is a contributing factor.