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I know there is no magic bullett for treating depression but I would like some feedback
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treating depression
- By nsk
- Posted November 7, 2009 at 1:13 pm · 14 replies
- In Newly diagnosed
- Shared with the public
Explore topics in this discussion:
Exercise Cancer Surgery Counseling Lexapro Anxiety Weakness Depression Cortisol Bladder cancer
14 replies
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- Newest first
- By joybob
- Posted November 7, 2009 at 1:35 pm
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If it is clinical depression that needs a doctor. If it is simply sadness that comes and goes. Try exercise it helps a lot, also, carlson fish oil 2,000 mg a day. I had anxiety a few years ago, went to many doctors no help. checked blood level to find cortisol thru the roof. went natural to fix it with the above, plus yoga, plus the Linden Method you can order on line and they give you support for 6 months on line to help you thru. It worked for me. Even with all the problems with my husband now, I am doing well, because I know what needs to be done. Joycee
- By roadrunner
- Posted November 7, 2009 at 1:41 pm
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Well, you have to know when you need an anti-depressant, if it is clinical then I would say you do,,,I had clinical depression years ago, not related to an illness, but a bad experience as a kid, and it showed up one day...if its just a cloud, and you feel good some of the time, you can fight it..exercise is one big help, being around positive people, a must, maybe a few visits with a physycologist, thats okay ya know, to ask for professional help, if your so tried you can't get out of bed,,and you live in a world of black and white,then you need meds to help,and they will do the trick...hope you find a solution...ginger
- By roadrunner
- Posted November 7, 2009 at 1:50 pm
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One other thing, talk about why your feeling so bad,all day if you need too,to someone who will listen,and find a way out...
- By jmch
- Posted November 7, 2009 at 1:53 pm
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Craig's Dr. prescribed him an anti-depressent when he was first diagnosed, on the premise that you need your strength to fight this thing. It has helped a lot. We live in a society that tells you to handle it, to buck up, but right now you need your strength and getting some help is not weakness.
If cancer doesn't make you somewhat sad, i am not sure what does. not saying everyone should get pharmacutical help, but it is worth considering.
and symptoms might be subtle. overreacting to things, over-crankiness....
- By Moonerj
- Posted November 7, 2009 at 1:54 pm
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Being dx with bladder cancer can be very depressing.
Going through BCG treatments as you are, also can be depressing to say the least. I think I know what you are feeling, as I was in the same boat in 2006.
What helped me was looking at the positives, my cancer was non-invasive, like yours, that alone is positive. Knowing I was having treatments that have cured so many, another positive. Knowing I had the support of my family and a very good Doc, another positive.
Getting the most out of every day helped a lot.
You have an advantage I did not have in the beginning, a family at BCAN, to answer your questions, share their experiences, being able to share your experiences with them.
If you find you can't find those positive thoughts, then maybe seek professional help.
Cancer no longer scares me, knowing the size of army I have behind me to win the battle.
One final thought,
BCG = Bladder Cancer Gone
Jack
- By roadrunner
- Posted November 7, 2009 at 1:56 pm
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When Gene was diagnosed, my doctor gave me a small dose of Xanex,,and I don't have the cancer,,,
so,boy,don't let depression ruin your life when there is help out there...
- By nancynursez637
- Posted November 7, 2009 at 4:01 pm
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Medications and counseling can help depression and are worth a try. So is reframing your thoughts. often the things that weigt us down are things we have no control over. Sometimes recognizing that you have no control and are along for the ride can be helpful. As can decisions to take control of your life, health and illness. Such as empowering yourself with information and treatment options, second opinions and other tools.
Learning to live in the moment can be a significant help. Am I alright this moment? Or am I thinking too far into the future? Can I enjoy today, can I do something fun, can I go for a walk, listen to cool (upbeat) music, can I call a friend go out to lunch?
we can be what we think, feel how we think, live how we think, are there ways to change your thinking?
NancyN
- By nsk
- Posted November 7, 2009 at 6:46 pm
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Jack Thank you for your input.Iam exercising a lot and I am taking an anti-depresant and mentally I feel a lot better.Having a great support team like inspire makes a great difference.I thank you for your input and all the people who have given me support with thought and prayers.
- By EricAndre
- Posted November 7, 2009 at 6:50 pm
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nsk
I had many depression in my life, all created by yours truly. Now I am good since a long time (Knock on wood )
My advise is to try to be as loving as possible, as humble as possible, work but get nice and long rest, read good books, be honest about it.
When asking for help seek to resolve the problem instead of describing how much you suffer.
If you want out of it and help yourself as much as you can then the whole universe will be on your side, the recovery will be much faster.
But hide the problem and it will go on and on.
Doctors help. Medication too with the understanding that even though the medication makes you feel better the problem at the source still needs to be addressed.
Usually the problems are "I love him/her but he does not loves me" or "I lost my job so I am worthless"
"I am alone no one wants me" all simple errors. But it is hard to see and harder to admit. Once the problem is identified and proper attitude restored the depression days are counted if not over. Believe this old timer I have been there many times. Be easy on yourself and treat yourself with respect.
Stand tall.
Be well
EricAndre
- By fowlair
- Posted November 9, 2009 at 12:31 am
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According to the DSM-IV, depression is diagnosed when five or more of the following symptoms of depression are present for most of the day, nearly every day for at least 2 weeks. At least one of the symptoms must be either persistent sad or "empty" feelings or loss of interest in activities.
•Constant sadness
•Irritability
•Hopelessness
•Trouble sleeping
•Low energy or fatigue
•Feeling worthless or guilty for no reason
•Significant weight change
•Difficulty concentrating
•Loss of interest in favorite activities
It is very normal when diagnosed with a major illness to experience symptoms of depression.
Treatment for depression is usually medication, talk therapy, or a combination of the two. There are many different kinds of medication, and if you are prescribed one that doesn't work within a month, ask to have your medication changed until you find one that works for you.
There are also different kinds of talk therapy. Probably the most important thing is to find a therapist who you feel comfortable with and can say anything to.
I've had a few years of experience in dealing with depression. Forget the stigma, coping in silence, pulling yourself up by your bootstraps and all that crap. You wouldn't expect you to cure yourself of bladder cancer. Depression is a medical illness and requires medical treatment, just like cancer.
Good luck and I hope this helps.
- By Annasvenska
- Posted November 9, 2009 at 3:42 pm
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Great topic!!
Important too.
Thanks for everybodys input, all of you!!
I think that more urologists/oncologists should adress this when one is first diagnosed with bladder cancer. I like my urologist however when I told him (six weeks after my RC) that I was depressed he looked at me like that was strange or unusual.
Anna
- By Shiz
- Posted November 9, 2009 at 5:43 pm
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It helps me to focus on the depression itself and not necessarily the factors causing it. I can change or choose how I deal with outside factors. The depression itself is a feeling and therefore temporary. I don't know if this works for everyone but for me, it helps me manage. Oh and there's the little white pill also called Lexapro.
Try to stay positive and realize you have a choice and power over your attitude.
- By Crossman
- Posted November 9, 2009 at 8:08 pm
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After I was told that I had to have my bladder taken out, my wife got me a psych consult at Memorial Sloan (where I was having the surgery done). Nothing really came of it for long term, but the doctor did prescribe some sleeping pills and anti-anxiety pills.
Ask your doctor for a referral.
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