Mental health + CLL: Anyone else out there have... - CLL Support

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Mental health + CLL

macchiato profile image
5 Replies

Anyone else out there have mental health issue as well as CLL? I have GAD with panic, PTSD, depression, and am Aspergers (not that Aspergers is a mental health issue). Life was already interesting pre CLL, I find my anxiety and depression have gotten worse since I came out of remission.

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macchiato profile image
macchiato
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5 Replies
dougstalbans profile image
dougstalbans

Hi. I'm replying because nobody else has yet but guess lots will. I would say any pre-existing tendency to stress etc is worsened by a long-term unpredictable thing like this. I have not found life easy but probably you've had medical advice about it whereas I think life's too short to spend any more time with docs who an do little but some people will benefit so I'm not trying to put you off. The best boost is if friends & family can be supportive. Not all of us have much contact with people outside work but sometimes I do need my own space so it's a hard balance to find. Hope you get some support on here if nowhere else. Kind regards, Doug (UK)

marcyh profile image
marcyh in reply to dougstalbans

I relate to the issues of anxiety and depression, but it is largely related to my oncologist taking me off estrogen when I was diagnosed. I knew it would be a battle because I had tried to go off previously, and I nosedived. Hormones won't likely be an issue for you, but I will say many of us - perhaps all of us - need soul support as we carry a cancer diagnosis the rest of our days. As Newdawn suggested, do seek counseling or psychological help if you are able. Where I am (Canada) we have access without cost. Many also find that nurturing the spirit, the essence of us, is part of that journey. I would encourage you to do some searching in that area as well.

Sincere best wishes,

Marcyh

Newdawn profile image
NewdawnAdministrator

Hi macchiato,

I’m sorry you haven’t had much response to your post but pleased Doug has been able to give you supportive advice.

I can imagine that the uncertainty associated with CLL is even more difficult for someone with Aspergers and sadly depression and anxiety is associated with that condition too. Do you have any professional psychological support? Your need for a supportive framework is particularly important and I hope you can find it.

Wishing you well with both your physical and mental health. Remember you’ve done well to get this far so you have greater inner resources than you perhaps acknowledge.

Newdawn

I’ve been treated for mental health since I was 23. Successful treatment the last 9 years. Anxiety, depression, & bipolar 2 are my diagnosis. I let them label me so I could get the help I needed.

Since finding out about my CLL I’ve had a death in my family, I’ve given birth, had postpartum, & have gotten married. Life happens.

I see a counselor weekly. I get to stay on my meds with the treatment I start next week, which was a huge relief.

I have friends and family that are supportive, they hold my hand, let me cry on their shoulder, and help point out the blessings when all I can see is the CLL & what it has taken from me.

Life is already hard sometimes. The unpredictability of CLL makes it harder.

I need people in my life, a god of my own understanding, & keep exhaling to help me let go of my fears & my expectations about this life.

I hope the best for you! ❤️❤️❤️

annmcgowan profile image
annmcgowan

Hi Macchiato soorry for the late response. You were dealing with a lot before the CLL diagnosis so it is no surprise to me, as a retired psychologist, that the diagnosis has increased your difficulties.

I agree with others who have replied here before me, you can be helped by a referral to a counsellor or psychologist.

When I was diagnosed I sought help for my own anxiety despite having all the coping strategies at my finger tips. What I needed was emotional support and a safe place to process and come to terms with my diagnosis. This is what psychological services are trained to provide.

Any cancer diagnosis raises our awareness of our own mortality which is difficult for anyone to deal with alone.

Friends and family can and do help but it can be scary for them as it raises any fears if loosing you, a loved one, as well as making them more aware of their own mortality.

This is why a trained therapist who is objective can help alongside many other reasons of course.

Good luck with your quest and remember not all of us need treatment or suffer from our CLL. Hang on to that thought it helps. Even if you do in today’s world there are lots of treatments that can help.

This may not be a curable cancer at this point in time but it is very treatable one. If you keep reading on this site you will begin to learn about the many new treatments and the quest to reach a cure.

Good luck and god bless.

Ann

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