Depression

markatger
markatger Member Posts: 314
edited March 2014 in Colorectal Cancer #1
Hello,

Well, I have stuggled with depression and anxiety my whole life...so as expected this cancer thing ai't doing wonders for me. I' likely talking to oncologiist about getting back on some anti-depressants tomorrow...something that won't interfere with chemo or with my recently operated on bowels....I think some anti-depressants can have GI side effects. i was recommended Celexa as a possibility.

Anyone out there battling severe depression and Cancer. I'm trying to find a good match for a therapist as well.

Just really down in the dumps this evening....life wasn't really worht living for me before cancer....and now to go throught the torture of invreasingly difficult treatment with a poor porgnosis as a stage IV patient. Its got me asking myself some dismal questions

Maria

Comments

  • neeliec
    neeliec Member Posts: 106
    #2
    Hi, Maria,
    As cancer survivors, we all know the struggle to keep up the good spirits and hope--- Some days are harder than others--- I try to concentrate on the things that I can have an effect on. Concentrate on what makes a difference-- how you can help others, for example, is great for it helps to take the worry from ourselves. Get the help you need with your oncologist or counselor, and don't be afraid to talk to us here. Venting helps-- we all go through the times of doubt and will understand... but remember that you are a strong person inside and can fight both the cancer and the depression. Watch funny and uplifting movies, read encouraging books and surround your self with people that you can help and who also help you. Keep us posted, dear fellow fighter. May you be blessed with peace and comfort tonight and as you fight this terrible beast. May you be strengthened beyond your imagination. neelieC
  • taraHK
    taraHK Member Posts: 1,952 Member
    #3
    Dear Maria,
    I know you are facing a scan very soon and my own experience is that that can really stir up "the demons". I think it is great that you are planning to talk to your doc about antidepressants -- you are taking a positive step for your own health. It is also great that you are searching for a 'good fit' therapist. If you have the luxury of finding one who specialises in cancer/illness, that would be terrific. But, the therapist I am seeing doesn't really -- and she has been a godsend for me.
    I am pulling for you, honey.
    You are loved.

    Tara
  • taraHK
    taraHK Member Posts: 1,952 Member
    #4
    taraHK said:

    Dear Maria,
    I know you are facing a scan very soon and my own experience is that that can really stir up "the demons". I think it is great that you are planning to talk to your doc about antidepressants -- you are taking a positive step for your own health. It is also great that you are searching for a 'good fit' therapist. If you have the luxury of finding one who specialises in cancer/illness, that would be terrific. But, the therapist I am seeing doesn't really -- and she has been a godsend for me.
    I am pulling for you, honey.
    You are loved.

    Tara

    And please, if things are seeming too too dark for you this evening, please call someone for support.
  • ron50
    ron50 Member Posts: 1,723 Member
    #5
    Hi Maria,
    I too have been struggling with depression all of my life, I guess 50% of the doctors thatI have visited have tried to put me on anti-depressants so far I have avoided taking them. As I keep telling the docs it isn't a chemical imbalance more like a life imbalance too many crappy times and not enough good times. Well I have come to the conclusion that a good day is when nothing really bad happens. I guess I just reset my values and then along came cancer. I may have a strange attitude but I figured what can cancer possibly do to me that life already hasn't. Cancer couldn't really hurt me so I have survived (nearly eight years now from stge 3 with 6 bad nodes.) So do what you have to do do beat it if that means ad's for you fine just remember they are merely a tool to help you , so stay strong and don't give up my thoughts and payers will be with you Ron.
  • steved
    steved Member Posts: 834 Member
    #6
    Thank you for your hoesty on what is a difficult topic for many to acknowledge here. We all go through our own personal emotional rolercoaster with this cancer battle and ofr some that means periods of depression and anxiety. I t is an accepted component of having cancer for some and is simply part of the illness process. Antidepressants are effective in this setting even if people feel it is something they should be able to deal with psychologically and celexa is a fair choice (can cause some diarrhoea though be cautious!) Is best to use it in combincation with some form of talk therapy. Cognitive behvioural therpay has the best evidence for being helpful but many find more generally supportive counselling or longer term talk therapy useful. I am pleased to hear you are addressing it actively though as left to fester it can really eat away at yo and become more resistant to treatment. It is very treatable although will never cure some of the feelings of depression and hopelessness wew all have attimes. Nor does it cure teh problems in your life but it can make you feel more robust and capable of dealing with them.

    Let us know how get on,
    Steve
  • mindy10
    mindy10 Member Posts: 182 Member
    #7
    Hi Maria, I just wanted to let you know my dad is at Stage 4 and he is also very very depressed. I try to hard to get his spirits up but it is very hard. If you read this board you will see there are some Stage 4 suvivors and that gives me hope for my dad and I remind him everyday about that. it might be good to go to a support group with people that are going through what you are going through. Also this board is a great place it gives me strength everyday. Good Luck and God Bless. Mindy
  • kerry
    kerry Member Posts: 1,313 Member
    #8
    Maria,

    Seek help right away. Talk to a therapist, talk to a good friend, but do it right away. There are some anti-depressants that you can take along with your chemo, check with your oncologist. Just remember, life is always beautiful and worth living and worth fighting for. There are ups and downs, and sometimes the downs seem pretty deep, but we have to look for that light at the end of the tunnel and sometimes we need help finding that light.

    If you ever need anyone to talk to you can always email me here. Please take care. You will be in my thoughts and prayer, Maria.

    Kerry
  • Kanort
    Kanort Member Posts: 1,272 Member
    #9
    Hi Maria,

    I am so sorry for your many struggles. I hope your oncologist will prescribe something to help get your get over this lastest hurdle.

    I'm hoping that today looks better and brighter.

    Hugs,

    Kay
  • rthornton
    rthornton Member Posts: 346 Member
    #10
    Hi Maria.

    I also used to have issues with depression, asking myself dismal questions and being way to hard on myself for perceived failures, etc. But something about fighting cancer made me value life more. Still, I can totally understand your feelings about having to go through treatment and all the many aspects of dealing with cancer. Cancer's a ****, no way around it. But please know that you have inspired me in the past, you're one of my heros, and you have my email address so feel free to send me an email any time.

    Rodney

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