Suddenly depressed and anxious

I think a lot of us can understand where you're coming from. It is not uncommon for people who have gone through a life-changing medical situation to develop symptoms of PTSD. My DH did, after nearly dying of a heart ailment. When I found out I had BC, I went at it like a dog killing a snake--overdrive! I didn't have time to worry or cry, because I was busy having multiple surgeries, chemo, fighting infections, etc.

And then after all that, I had my BMX--O.M.G. That went all kinds of wrong. I lost a tremendous amount of tissue to necrosis, so it looked like a German Shepard snatched a huge bite out of my chest. It was so horrible I could barely look at it (and I'm a nurse!) My DH nearly fainted when he saw it. it took a very long time to fully heal. In the meantime, I became very anxious, sleepless, teary, and afraid. Every little thing set me off. Finally, my DH stepped in and recognized that something was really going on with my mental health. Fortunately, my doctor suggested a course of antidepressant which lasted about 5-6 months. It made all the difference in my mood.

I'm sorry to hear that your insurance won't cover psychiatry. That's surprising, since it's one of the things covered by the ACA. Have you approached your PCP about meds? If that route isn't available to you, try calling your county health dept. A lot of them offer mental health options at reduced rates. It sounds like you're doing a lot of things right, but you just need some help to get on top of this. Good luck.

Rrobin, I think that looking at local cancer support centers for groups might also be helpful. Go to this link and they'll help you find one local to you: https://www.cancer.org/treatment/support-programs-and-services.html

I think yoga and meditation can be a great help. Here is a link for some free guided meditations from the UCLA Mindful Awareness Research Center: http://marc.ucla.edu/mindful-meditations

Also, if you are interested in something that can be very helpful for depression (and anxiety) is Magnesium. Here is a nice article here: https://psychcentral.com/news/2017/06/29/magnesium-shows-promise-for-treating-mild-moderate-depression/122587.html Sorry, I wanted to send you the whole PLOSone study, but can't figure out how to attach a pdf

Finally, I would suggest that you be gentle with yourself. Our minds and bodies heal at different times and you might need this time to grieve. Grieve the loss that the diagnosis represents, as well as the physical toll it has taken on your mind, body and spirit. Grieving is okay and appropriate, you just don't want to get stuck there.

((hugs))

I fell into a type of PTSD after my diagnosis. Mental health care is virtually impossible to find in our state. Instead I was able to meet with a Stephen Minister from my church every week. A Stephen Minister is a trained layperson, volunteer, who's main role is to be an active listener. I was having frequent and terrible panic attacks. That one hour a week was the only place I didn't shake. You do not need to be a member of the church to get a Stephen Minister.

My brother is an onc and he recognized the PTSD when my daughter frantically called him to tell him I was despondent. He said I'd need anxiety meds, an antidepressant and counseling to pull out of it. My PCP was instrumental in helping me with the meds. I had never taken anything before but I now know those meds are made for times like this. He basically order me to stay on Klonopin for a year. He said, " I don't care if you get addicted, we'll deal with that later, YOU need these." I did stay on them for a year and then weaned off with no trouble.

I've always been "the strong one" but the PTSD brought me to my knees. It took about six months after dx before I started to turn around.

I'm so sorry you are facing this. Gentle hug to you.

I am feeling afraid and depressed. I just lost my SIL to cancer. She was diagnosed a little over a year after me with breast cancer idc and things looked promising for her but a second primary cancer a GYN cancer showed up 2 years ago after taking tamoxifen. About 6 months ago after chemo and surgery and more chemo her tumor markers were increasing. They tried other treatments but it just got extremely aggressive the cancer tumors grew at an accelerated rate. She died in hospice this morning. I am afraid I will meet a similar fate. I know she is in heaven but she really suffered. Feeling so depressed.

PS I have another SIL just diagnosed in February she is still doing ok after bmx.

Meow, my condolences on the loss of your SIL. Being afraid and depressed is normal, you are mourning, and it has brought your own mortality to the forefront. Time doesn't heal, but it does help. Be kind to yourself, and use whatever you need to cope. It might be talking to someone, or even meds if necessary.

Hugs.

I haven't had a masectomy but have developed some problems two years after dcis surgery.If this comes back with cancer again I too will have a MX..I fear it is cancer again..I am already starting to become distant with depression and crying bouts