I was diagnosed with rectal cancer in 2010 and had many twists and turns along the way. I had three ops ( Colonostomy, an illiostomy, then back to a colonostomy). Along the way I developed chronic kidney disease, divertivulitis, a stomach hernia, shingles and encephalitis. I was in and out of hospital for the next five years. My hospital file is about 16 inches high - after weeding. I managed to bounce back after each set back.
I thought I'd recovered physically and emotionally. March '20 and the first lockdown proved me wrong. My emotions went into free fall - all my resiliance went down the pan. The pandemic was the trigger. Since then I've suffered with anxiety and depression. I've been on different anti-depressants and other meds. I've had talking therapies and practise yoga and mindfulness. I'm still fighting my way back to good mental health. Unfortunately no operation can cure this condition.
Hi Kath
i feel similar to you although my road to feeling depressed has been different to yours Covid has made my anxiety and low mood much harder deal with.
You’re doing all the right things to get through.
How about a holiday.?
A complete break from everything.
They say a change is as good as a rest so it could be something you have always wanted to try and have put it on the back burner. I’ve always fancied pony trekking. Not that I can ride.
It’s really hard to get motivated when low mood hits. I’m an artist and my studios not seen me since Covid and cancer hit me for six.
let’s both hope that spring gives us some bounce back.
sending you a massive hug and thanks for all the support you’ve given me.
Ann
Hi Kath
I think we need to protect ourselves from Covid. wear masks etc but we need to live.
I went away for one night in a beautiful Manor House. It was really busy however very safe. It was lovely but the highlight for me was sitting in an enormous reception in a Chesterfield sofa with an enormous staircase and busy restaurant and I people watched it was fascinating and I realised that’s what was missing.
We need to get out there safely.
Covids taken that away.
Try and treat yourself to something that’s safe. You're doing everything right for your MH. I think you’ve been amazing with what’s happened to you
Ann
I really do Kath. I’m on antidepressants and counselling and I’m trying to keep those plates spinning. It’s tough. We will get there us plodders. Maybe I will pick up a paint brush who knows. All I’ve done creatively since cancer is that silly Whoopi avatar. She does make me smile though. x
Ann
That sounds lovely. Hopefully April will be mild you may have some showers but when you’ve got a cosy cottage all the better.
Ann
