There recently was an excellent discussion about the how to overcome anxiety and depression caused by this cancer. It seemed to focus on the use of medicines and some herbal solutions. While I have no issue with that approach I was going to attach my comments to that thread and had second thoughts for a variety of reasons. So I started this new thread hoping that perhaps the other side of coin needed some daylight.
I have always been someone who believes the glass is half full. I always have a smile on my face because I enjoy life. In my personal and professional life I favor being proactive and meeting challenges head on. My first goal facing challenges has always been to solve or eliminate the issue and more importantly to deal with them.
I faced my prostrate cancer diagnosis the same way - Head On. Over my lifetime physical activity was the one thing that bolstered my energy and removed any feelings of anxiety and depression. So I went back to what worked for me in the past and proceeded to build a physical routine to fight the cancer and the potential mental and physical side effects of ADT and radiation.
So for those of you suffering the mental side effects of anxiety, stress and possible depression that comes with this disease perhaps this research can help you fight these issues. At least that is my hope in starting this thread and also to give you some research to support my offered solution.
I was quite depressed about the same time it was discovered that I had prostate cancer. And like you, I shun the drugs and herbal remedies that in my mind, prolong the depression and don't teach me new habits or ways of thinking that help keep my in a good place.
My cure, was about a year and a half of therapy, weight training, working closely with good friends, and doing group exercises - specifically Zumba (I have become an instructor, and teach twice a week now)
It was not a fast turn around for me, but I feel healthier mentally that I think I can ever remember, and I'm certainly in better physical shape!
I have been through cognitive therapy in the past, it certainly helps with ideology of like "Focusing on the good". Writing a journal of or notes of each day, things that are good and things to document and forget so you don't fall back into a trap again.
If you are lucky enough to have a spouse or loved one willing to listen, also is a great help. Exercise has really helped me recently after years of sitting in front of a screen.
Benzodiazapines years ago with major stress and anxiety saved my life. SSRI's IME are a scam, never helped me and look at all the recent negative news about them.
For those reading this and not willing to start slow but looking for immediate relief, Valium or Klonipin they are meant to be acute therapy (short term) you might explore small dosages even, breaking tablets in 1/4 when you feel stress. Currently finding CBD and THC also help.
If you have a hobby- any sort of thing that distracts your mind away from drifting into your situation is also really helpful. Listening to your favorite music too. Music that brings back good memories of times in the past is helpful.
What is working for me for now is just keeping busy with complex projects that require a lot of attention and devotion. When I start a project I rarely stop until I achieve my goals.
I do not know what my next project might be, I am wrapping up one I spent several months on. Once others copy my work I will probably have support to do but otherwise I need to find something to keep busy with soon.
So I bought a 3d printer figuring I could waste a lot of time with that. I was an early adopter years ago and certainly wasted a lot of time then.
There is so much to do to organize (and get rid of) my lifetime accumulation of stuff that will probably keep me busy for the rest of my life unless some great treatment comes along to keep me around for a while.
Also regular biking and walks. Can not get into other forms of exercise. Living in the mountains biking is pretty intense. "Upgraded" to an e-assist bike because I could not get up my driveway in low gear anymore.
Thinking of getting a recumbent trike if my bone lesions might make a fall too risky. Any ideas on that appreciated. I did have a pathological fracture where there was a lesion as the result of a freak accident.
My shoulders hips and spine are what I am most worried about fracturing.
Like those above keeping busy works for me be it exercise or DIY but the No 1 thing that I learnt early on is never ever go to bed without having planned where you will get at least one bit of fun/enjoyment/satusfaction from the next day . As a runner that’s easy , I plan where, what time , how long so I always look forward to that but when on chemo I set myself targets of how many smiles I may give/receive or thank yous or even how long I could make my pain au chocolate last for whilst waiting for blood results . When incapacitated I looked forward to meals , tv, sports results etc There is no excuse to not be able to find a way to enjoy some part of every day .
Some great comments and ideas. Your comments highlighted some things I forgot which helps. I restore old 2 seater roadsters and coupes so there is ways something to fix, improve or restore and they need to be driven. That also keeps my mind active. A idle mind is the devil’s workshop.
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