Feeling sad and don't know why???

Hi cupcake 

Cupcake59 said:

I just wondered if anyone else experienced this delayed emotional reaction after their treatment and how you dealt with it.

I think  we all do. After all we are suffering from a form of PTSD

Have a read of this essay by psychologist Dr Peter Harvey it resonates with a lot of us. 
https://www.workingwithcancer.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/After-the-treatment-finishes-then-what.pdf

Spring and summer are round the corner. 
You’ll be able to get out and about and your mood will lighten. It does get better … promise 

Hi cupcake many cancer suffers have a ptsd it can affect you  after treatment. Cancer is a big wake up call to us all we all Gandhi ut differently. I’m very lucky in that respect sone Gsve s mind coyrsd if anti depressants plus Macmillian in conjunction with bios iffer 6 free sessions. 
don’t feel guilty maybe see your g p

Hazel x eill pop kink on for you plus read this link 

https://cancercounsellinglondon.org.uk/about/after-the-treatment-finishes-then-what/
https://www.macmillan.org.uk/cancer-information-and-support/get-help/emotional-help/bupa-counselling-and-emotional-well-being-support?_ga=2.33727329.1181874515.1677943994-997907281.1667474712

Hi Cupcake59.Great you are feeling well, your dry mouth and taste will still get better with time. Don't feel guilty about how you feel, I think this happens to lots of us. I remember after about the same time feeling very down in the dumps, I didn't realize why, I think it was about the time I started to really think about what had happened to me, and it all seemed so unreal, I think it takes about that time to kick in because we are so involved in our recovery, to think of much else. I still feel a bit down sometimes, if I have something crop up which sends me into panic mode.  Have a good cry if you want to. All the best.  

Regards Ray.

Thanks Dani, I did read that essay at the very start of my recovery but it was helpful to read it again to put things into perspective. I think I've tried to lock away all the memories and thoughts from the time of my diagnosis and treatment because it was a very grim period but I think I just need to take time to process what I've been through. It can be difficult when those around you see you looking fit and well and assume that life is 'normal' again. We know that 'normal' has changed!! X

Thanks for the links Roz. I don't feel I need counselling right now but it's good to know there's help available if things get worse. I suppose I just wanted reassurance that what I'm feeling is pretty standard. X

Thanks Ray, glad to hear I'm not the only one who feels like this x

Hi Cupcake

Sorry to read you are feeling sad and no you are not feeling sorry for yourself at all. 

I agree that we can suffer with  a form of PSTD  and can be left feeling sad and anxious after our treatments. It is very traumatising for us - all of what we go through.  Some of us feel this more immediately and others this can be delayed.   Don't feel guilty about feeling sad you like all of us have been through so much and need to work through these delayed emotions now they have arisen. Talking about how you feel is good - like to a close member of your family or friend or others who have been through this. Maybe some talk therapy sessions will help. I found it does take time but it does get better. Be kind to yourself and make time for the things you enjoy as this can help lift the mood and distract too. I hope you start to feel better soon.

Best wishes 

Nicky

Cupcake59 said:

It can be difficult when those around you see you looking fit and well and assume that life is 'normal' again. We know that 'normal' has changed!! X

Yes isn’t it  so annoying. Friends and family always come out with “Don’t you look well?” I started saying that it was camouflage and that inside I was hurting and sad. They soon stopped telling me 

Hi Cupcake.I understand how you feel I have all your symptoms Dry mouth,taste problems and emotional reaction.although mine kicked in a few months post treatment. I lost interest in everything, couldn't make decisions couldn't care if my house fell down around me I would have just sat amongst the rubble. My Mcmillan nurse coaxed me to try an anti depressant (though I resisted for several weeks).

It DOES get better I now feel more positive about things (in spite of the fact that every time I attend a clinic they find something else to investigate) BUT summer is coming (I hope) and life is good at present.

Ivan