New to problems with anxiety and isolation

[whydoiwanttobealone]

I was diagnosed with depression while fighting cancer. now it comes and goes but my desire to be alone and anxiety have increased and is making me feel worthless and more depressed. Any advice? I am a newbie to this site.

[Hidden]

Hi, welcome to the site. It’s good you are noticing this change in yourself. From what I understand, depression during cancer is common. Are you on any medications for depression? Try to be social, because once you start to wall yourself off, it’s easy to tailspin.

[peanutbuttercup]

Yep, you want to isolate, which makes you feel worse, that makes you want to isolate more. That is the depression spiral. You are going to have to do what you least want to do...socialize. That doesn’t mean you need to go to a rave and dance on tables. Have a lunch with a friend. Go to a park and be around people even if you don’t interact with them. Take a walk around your neighborhood and just say hello to your neighbors as you walk by (that’s a good one for me. Gradually, gradually your mood will lighten. Or you could even come on here and tell us a good joke. 🙂

[IheartDogs]

It sounds like you have been through a lot with having cancer. The anxiety can certainly feed depression so it's important that you recognize this and try to take steps to intervene. Are you taking meds and are you in therapy? It's also important to reach out to friends, family and others so you don't feel isolated. We're here for you!

[whydoiwanttobealone in reply to IheartDogs]

I am taking meds for depression but do not have therapy or a support group. Thanks for your encouragement.

[Agora1 in reply to whydoiwanttobealone]

Hi wanttobealone and welcome. taking meds for depression and even anxiety are only as good as the therapy and support behind it. When diagnosed with a serious illness, we tend to get lost in our own thoughts and even though we may want to run away and hide, it is always best to reach out to others who are going through the same thing and can truly understand our emotions.

There is a Cancer Journey Foundation on Health Unlocked that would put you in touch with others dealing with cancer issues. That doesn't mean you have to drop our site but use it conjunctively in addressing both a medical issue and a psychological one.

No matter what the cause, Anxiety can be kept in place and not allowed to escalate by living in the moment as well as realizing that it comes from a thought not a physical issue. Keeping our negative thoughts down will also keep anxiety down. There are videos to be found on YouTube which address Mindfulness/Meditation for Anxiety & Cancer. Short videos to comfort and relax your mind and body for moments at a time can be beneficial in reducing your stress. I wish you peace & calm. Know that we are always a message away in being here for you. xx

[whydoiwanttobealone in reply to Agora1]

Thank you and I so appreciate all of the instant support.