Mental health

Firstly I would say this is totally normal. It's really hard sometimes as we see so much positivity about breast cancer treatment, of course this is reassuring for many but it's also not always a true reflection of what life is like for many of us. 

I found that there isn't any one specific thing that helps, I try to keep to a good routine and allow myself just to feel whatever. Some days are good.....actually some days are great some are bad and some are a mixture of a bit of everything. I try and focus on what makes me smile,my dogs, reading and gardening, find the things hat give you a good feeling.

If however you feel overwhelmed or you don't know how to manage your feelings then do ask your GP or breast care nurse if available for some additional support.

Take good care xxx

There’s a really good paper by Dr Peter Harvey which you might find helpful, will find and post a link

https://workingwithcancer.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/After-the-treatment-finishes-then-what.pdf

Hugs xxx

Thanks for your reply. I think I found it hard as I was doing well and building my walking up and getting out and about. Then suddenly was hit with the anxiety and depression. I think it’s hard watching other people get on with their lives when you feel that yours is at a snails pace. Also my daughter moved out with her boyfriend and bought a new house so I miss them loads, even though I know I can visit them anytime. I also find it hard being in the house having spent to long here being ill. 

Are you currently taking antidepressants or propanolol. I take both and it helps. I would suggest seeing a psychiatrist as they will get the medication right and really help you. I would try someone from a well known company like the priory. Think it’s around £350 for an appt 

Hi there, Macmillan can give you some advice on this. You can give them a call on 0800 808 0000. I know of many people on here who have take advantage of therapy after treatment and found it very helpful. Best wishes 

I am currently taking mirtazapine 45 mg and propranolol 40 mg 3 times a day. Thank you for saying about a psychiatrist at the priory as it’s really hard to know who to contact. I really don’t mind paying privately and am quite desperate as my antidepressants so far have not been helpful. 

Thank you Tulip22 - did you just refer yourself to the psychiatrist at the priory and did you have a set amount if sessions. 

It’s very interesting this paper . Thank you 

Hi,

I went to see the cancer psychiatrist by appointment at the hospital yesterday and it was a game changer!

It was the first time I talked through my journey from the start to where I am now with someone other than my family or friends. So, I could be honest and not hide anything.
We identified an incident that related to my first surveillance mammogram that had caused a trauma reaction. 

The meeting was 50 minutes or so and I left with a greater understanding and a smile. Felt so much better and in control and understood why I had suddenly felt a bit down.

I’m going back in two weeks for another session to learn coping strategies but to be fair I feel amazing today! I hate taking meds and don’t want any more meds on top of Letrazole.

So,  I would recommend you ask your breast cancer team if they can refer you? I waited 4 weeks for an appointment and that included Xmas etc, so pretty efficient.

I hope this helps. X

This was recommended to me when I posted last summer how anxious I was about going for my 3rd annual mammogram. I found it very helpful. I've been rereading it recently as I came to the realisation that although being 3 years cancer free, I was reluctant to stay anywhere other than our home or our static caravan. 

We have friends in Germany who are having a special event in October and we're expected to be there. Although I was saying all the right things my husband hadn't booked ferries. He told me recently that although I was saying I was happy to go, my eyes were saying something different.

I had a bit of a meltdown at this but the the next day I realised that cancer had made the world a scary place and I coped by making my world smaller.

I have re-read the Peter Harvey article which I've found extremely helpful. I realise that I've still got a way to go with my mental health but at least I've now accepted this.