Is anyone struggling with emotional issues?

I'm very sorry you have been having this difficult time. Each person is unique, but I do think many people suffer emotionally after breast cancer diagnosis and treatment. I've made a little list for you about what has helped me. Skip anything that doesn't appeal to you! These are just possible suggestions.
Actually writing this out was a good reminder for me about what I can do myself.
Wishing you the best.
***

Therapeutic:

Individual psychotherapy
Cancer support group led by a social worker on zoom or live (a dear friend participates in this).

Creativity:

Journaling
Drawing or any artistic pursuit
Taking a class in something that appeals to you
Reading in any area you like (a good novel takes me out of myself).

Exercise, PT, and Bodywork

All and any!
A soothing massage
PT for any lingering pain or symptoms of stiffness etc.
YMCAs have a program for people with breast cancer post treatment—gym, etc.

Diet

Consult with a dietitian (my sister found this very helpful, particularly to regulate her blood sugar during cancer treatment)

Spiritual

I like meditation and mindfulness practice.
If you already have a religious approach, lean into it.
Being in the natural world feels healing and uplifting.
Gratitude journal (I was dubious, but it really helped me).

Social

Figuring out who can be a support among friends and family (I gave up on some people and others came through in a wonderful way).
Mayo Connect—we want to know how you are doing!
Also—try making a list of things you enjoy doing and try to do them frequently. The possibilities are endless—but try rewarding yourself with fun as often as you can. Often enough it is difficult to just keep going. Give yourself credit!

Miriam's recommendations are all good, but left out the one that helped me. After suffering as you mentioned for over two years after DMX and chemo, I got a new PCP and she prescribed the antidepressant Lexapro (generic). It started working within days, and now I'm happily and calmly getting back to my life.

Sorry to hear of your struggles , I am also finding the emotional fall out from Anastrozole to be difficult as well as many physical side effects. I am trying to ‘ keep calm and carry on’ but it is hard. I think not enough information is given to people about the mental effects of these therapies , as I’ve said previously on this platform , this is a field ripe for further research and increasing compliance.

Oh dear @val97 this was a time for me as well. Everybody has some great ideas and all worth the effort.
I also had my ovaries removed, 5 years of tamoxifen and 10 years of anastrazole has left me in a perpetual menopause. I was in my 30’s and I am now 20 years out. I have been done with anastrozole for 5 or 6 years, and I still find myself occasionally unhinged. I still deal with the constant hot flashes and night sweats only worsening in the summer heat.🥵
I will say the single best thing that has helped me is Zoloft. I went on it during radiation, then off after a year. I found myself needing to return to it a few years later when my husband got cancer and stress if that situation had me pretty close to the ledge.
Have you tried any of the things here, and have they helped?

Thank you all for your advice. This day was a particularly bad one for me. I've been dealing with this for a year and a half. I've had my ups and downs. This day, I was feeling very alone and dealing with some family issues that are intensifying my emotional state. Thank you for responding.

Yes, I plan on implementing a new routine for myself that includes yoga, lifting weights, cardo and meditation in the coming weeks. Also trying to focus on my diet. Luckily, I work at an elementary school and have some time and a quiet place where I can try to focus on myself. I've learned that menopause (both with and without breast cancer) has been very difficult on the women in my family. At least it's a relief to know I'm not crazy...or alone.

Thank you again. I appreciate you all.

I was diagnosed with Major Depressive Disorder 30 years ago plus anxiety all due to childhood trauma followed by isolation. I’ve managed to do ok in life by all external appearances (career success) but have always suffered within. BC and menopause have been a constant struggle and my BC team shrugs me off and tells me to get with my shrink. They don’t hear me tell them that I have treatment resistant depression. I have opted not to take for obvious reasons, my suffering is due to being yanked off HRT! I can’t imagine an even greater deficit of estrogen. Each day is hard and all I can do is my best to diet , exercise when I can, try to get enough sleep and mindfulness. Creative pursuits bring me the greatest relief.

To the sisterhood of suffers, I feel your pain. Know that you are not alone. Be strong and hold hope for a brighter tomorrow.

I also work at an elementary school. 4th grade teacher. The stress of the state of education today doesn't help us, does it? I'm sorry you are struggling with all of this. It sucks. I am 2.5 years remission and I've been taking Zoloft, 75 mg, for 1.5 years. It's a great drug. I don't know how I would be without it. It's great that you have this summer to focus on yourself. Reiki massage and Acu helped relax me, and 20mg of Melatonin every night helped me fall asleep when depressing thoughts were racing through my mind. Yoga is awesome, good idea. Looooong walks are also great. I have been taking the AI Letrozole for 2 years. Other than joint/bone pain, it works for me, and I take it right before I go to sleep. I hope you know that you are not alone.

Has anyone had success with magnesium glycinate? I've started to take it at night and feel like I am sleeping somewhat better but not sure if it's helping my hot flashes. I sometimes wake feeling a little foggy. I've been told by my Oncologist PA that I can take it the morning too to help with hot flashes and possibly mood but I am afraid of being drowsy. As a muscle relaxer, it also makes me poop. I don't want to overdo it.

After some soul searching and journaling, I realize I have been very depressed, especially post BC diagnosis. During that time, I had to be strong for my family, and I feel like people around me just wanted me to be "better" immediately once all the surgeries where done. We sold our house and moved ten months after my diagnosis and was in the middle of selling while I going through reconstruction surgery. Once we moved, we lived in a rental, hunted for a house, had to find a new job, new doctors, and I'm still trying to make friends as we have no friends or family here. It's been a lot. This August will be the second anniversary of my diagnosis, and so much has happened in that short time. I don't feel like I gave myself time to grieve and recover.

I was lucky I did not require chemo and decided not to do radiation after A LOT of research and consulting with multiple doctors, which in and of itself made me feel very alone. I had to fight off people telling me to "just do what the doctors says" even though in my soul I didn't agree with what they were telling me and ultimately decided to opt out of radiation. I actually had a coworker tell me that now I could "put it past" me literally 2 months post double mastectomy. Looking back, I shoved a lot of emotion and trauma down and have been wearing a mask to the outside world. I need to acknowledge that I've been through a lot, and I need time to heal.

I felt very alone until I found this group. I'm not here consistently, but appreciate the advice and kindness when I do visit. I hope the next couple of weeks, I can focus on healing - not just my body, but also my mind and soul. And I will pay your kindness forward to help others.

Hugs to all of you. I'm glad we're able to be here for each other.

I work as a Paraprofessional, and where I live that means I'm a teacher assistant. Yes, I'm pretty shocked by the state of education today and the stress it puts on educators. Hugs to you just for that!

I might try adding Melatonin to the magnesium glycinate I take at night. I was also told to try a "tart cherry juice mocktail" which is tart cherry juice and seltzer along with the magnesium. The cherry juice has high levels of melatonin. It is my new nighttime ritual. We'll see how it goes. I'm also trying to read instead of using screens before bed.

Thank you for your thoughts. Hugs to you.

Thank you for taking the time to write this. I very much appreciate you!