Antidepressant

BarbTheBCBarbie

what is everyone taking to cope. I’ve never taken any medication but if I don’t I’m afraid I will push my family away. I’m a horrible wreck and need some peer guidance

DivineMrsM

Barb, at first I thought I needed an antidepressant. But after a bit of trial and error and finally sorting out my emotions, I realized I was suffering from anxiety, not depression. After discussing with my pcp, I went on an antianxiety medicine called Buspar, it is nonaddicting, does not change my personality, but takes the edge off, lessens the severity, decreases the intensity of the anxiety in the mildest way. I take a very small daily dose and have taken it for years. I still get whiffs of anxiety but with the medicine, I am able to refocus quickly and move on. It gave me my life back.

I can relate to your comment about driving your family away. I had taken the antianxiety med for awhile, then thought maybe I no longer needed it. So I stopped for several days and was very surprised to find myself snapping at my loved ones and getting confrontational about insignificant matters. That’s when I realized that my taking the antianxiety med was indirectly benefiting my family as well and helping me maintain better relationships and therefore adding to the quality of my life. So I started taking them again.

All that said, after several years I began feeling some depression as well, and I started taking the antidepressant Wellbutrin. The past couple years I’ve also worked on having firmer boundaries with just about everyone in my life, siblings especially yet even my husband. While challenging for me, it’s been more helpful than I even knew it could be as I’m less prone to anger and resentment because I’m acknowledging and addressing and placing value on my needs rather than put myself last all the time.

I wish you the best!

BarbTheBCBarbie

Thanks Ms. Divine

Elderberry

Barb: I did ativan, sometime twice a day - once in the morning and once in late afternoon when I got my initial MBC DX. I still do them occasionally when I get a sudden rush of panic/anxiety. They helped keep from having to be peeled off the ceiling. I can now go weeks without taking any. This past while though with an inconclusive PET, MRI and a pending bone scan I find myself taking one in the early evening. It helps me sleep. If it can tamp down you anxiety that would be good.

BarbTheBCBarbie

I have to go to counseling. I know I will need medicine. I want to live long as I possibly can but I have so many regrets. I have 6 small children and a supportive spouse. An amazing mom and wonderful siblings. My dx is scary but knowing I didn’t get the help I needed when I could have is causing the depression. Long story short I thought the area I was feeling in my left breast was implant related got one opinion from a plastic surgeon and never followed up. Blah blah blah….stage 4 now…

Sorella

I used Xanax about twice a day after I was diagnosed Dec. 2020 and was already using ambien for sleep as I had insomnia problems which just got worse. My pain increases at night so I still take that. As for antidepressants, I was resistant at first but after a long hospitalization, and rehab in February to March 2020, I was soooooo depressed. I finally agreed to a low dose of Zoloft and it really helps. Everyone needs to decide what is best for them but I try not to worry about the stigma or braving this without this help. Good luck to all of you.

lauri

This worked for me -- hot Ovaltine at bedtime. Sometimes had a second cup at 2 a.m. when my mind couldn't switch off. And weekly visits to a therapist didn't hurt, either.