Worsening Depression

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Simple13
Simple13 Member Posts: 45
edited January 2016 in Just Diagnosed

I was diagnosed with invasive mammary carcinoma on Jan 8, 2016. Have had the biopsy and have an appointment with the surgeon tomorrow. I have suffered from major depressive disorder and anxiety for most of my adult life. Can my worsening depression be tied to the enormity of the diagnosis and pending treatment?

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  • ChiSandy
    ChiSandy Member Posts: 12,133
    edited January 2016

    Sure. If you’re not depressed or at least anxious, there’s definitely something amiss. I’ve been on Wellbutrin since 1999, and some sort of maintenance antidepressant (I had postpartum depression in ’85-6) for over a decade before that. Both my shrink and my MO said the last thing they’d take me off is an antidepressant. Tell your surgeon tomorrow. (S)he can coordinate with your psychiatrist or get you an urgent appointment with one.

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  • ElaineTherese
    ElaineTherese Member Posts: 3,328
    edited January 2016

    Yes, of course! Definitely, talk to a doctor about your worsening symptoms. He/she can adjust your existing meds or give you a prescription for something new. I never took an antidepressant until I was diagnosed with cancer. But, when Aromasin (hormone therapy) was making me very moody, Celexa wiped that out. I have felt much, much better since I began to take Celexa. Hope you feel better soon!

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  • Kicks
    Kicks Member Posts: 4,131
    edited January 2016

    As this is winter so it would be a good idea to have your Vit. D level checked. Our Vit. D levels drop during winter (also many women with BC have low D levels no matter the season or wbere we live) and SAD (Seasonal Affective Disorder) is caused by low light levels/time and results in different levels of depression. I keep my SAD under control by taking mega doses of Vit. D during winter and using a light box daily (simulates sunshine). It does take a blood test to check your Vit. D level but it isn't usually one that is routinely done so a special order is required. Worth asking your Dr to check.

    Vit.D is so important to our overall health but unfortunately many Drs (even Mental Health ones) often overlook it.

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  • reflect
    reflect Member Posts: 576
    edited January 2016

    I have also been taking medication for major depression for many years. I've had to readjust dosage/change medications several times. This is a major event. I agree that you should check with your doc about adjustments to your medication. And I would also do anything else that works for you: music, movies, good books, visit to a bulb show...I'm sending healing thoughts.

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  • kaylynn
    kaylynn Member Posts: 124
    edited January 2016

    I bought a SAD lamp,i swear by it for the winter blues.

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