1. < Depression & Anxiety
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Dealing with anxiety, depression and chronic stress

Posted by Ellen Kolnes @ellenkolnes, May 16 11:13pm

I’m a new member, my name is Ellen. This is my first post. I’m beginning with Depression and Anxiety
, because I really believe, that all of my co-morbidities, stem from chronic severe stress. I’m 85 years of age, and I’ve been dealing with Depression and Anxiety since my mid twenties.

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Depression & Anxiety Support Group.

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mackvogt13 | @mackvogt13 | 6 days ago
In reply to @msmarymac "I hate to say this but everything stemsfrom our parents, mentally, physically and genetically. Have you..." + (show)
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I hate to say this but everything stemsfrom our parents, mentally, physically and genetically.
Have you looked into this deeply?

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@msmarymac you’re right.

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mackvogt13 | @mackvogt13 | 6 days ago
In reply to @malebreastcancer47 "@joetex She is 85 yrs old and has made this far without meds. Why do meds..." + (show)
Profile picture for Arvind Natarajan @malebreastcancer47

@joetex She is 85 yrs old and has made this far without meds. Why do meds now?
Any med recommendation by anyone on Mayo connect is our journey, I think a doctor has examine her before recommending a cure so she feels better. Everything has side effects and once you are hooked, there’s no going back to normal and self-managing.

I am 50 yrs old, on top of ADHD, anxiety PTSD, I am on a daily cancer treatment. I work hard with alt methods to reduce side effects. My Mayo oncology team suggested a low dose of anxiety meds, I refused. I love the alt approach. Even a med for hot flashes and brain fog. I said No to all. I want to fight like Ellen. 🙂

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@malebreastcancer47 it depends on the person. i think it would definitely be worth it for her to go see a therapist and if they recommend a psychiatrist and if they want her to start medications d if she is fine with that then that is her choice. everyone is different with how they want to take meds and what they put in them. having to take these meds to survive isn’t a bad thing and not wanting to isn’t either

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Randy Shields | @randallshields56 | 5 days ago
In reply to @randallshields56 "wow, you have a way of just getting their quickly. Thank you for that and welcome..." + (show)
Profile picture for Randy Shields @randallshields56

wow, you have a way of just getting their quickly. Thank you for that and welcome to the group. I read your post and yes have thought about it since yesterday. Looking back i am going to have to say that yes i have had the same feeling since i was in my youth. I will be 70 this year and on occasion i see a post that hits home like this one. to say the very least i can look back and see how it came to be a part of me. Wish it had not but that's life. Thank you for the post and i hope you have a blessed day today and many more to follow. I like the response to stay away from added meds and maybe see a counselor. I just recently started to see one for the same conditions and your post gave me more fuel to pass on. Thank you.

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Thank you

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Randy Shields | @randallshields56 | 5 days ago
In reply to @randallshields56 "wow, you have a way of just getting their quickly. Thank you for that and welcome..." + (show)
Profile picture for Randy Shields @randallshields56

wow, you have a way of just getting their quickly. Thank you for that and welcome to the group. I read your post and yes have thought about it since yesterday. Looking back i am going to have to say that yes i have had the same feeling since i was in my youth. I will be 70 this year and on occasion i see a post that hits home like this one. to say the very least i can look back and see how it came to be a part of me. Wish it had not but that's life. Thank you for the post and i hope you have a blessed day today and many more to follow. I like the response to stay away from added meds and maybe see a counselor. I just recently started to see one for the same conditions and your post gave me more fuel to pass on. Thank you.

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Thank you for your like and helpful

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zenren14 | @zenren14 | 5 days ago

@malebreastcancer47
Hello, May I ask you what is ALT approach?
Thank-you
@zenren14

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1 reply
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Arvind Natarajan | @malebreastcancer47 | 5 days ago
In reply to @zenren14 "@malebreastcancer47 Hello, May I ask you what is ALT approach? Thank-you @zenren14" + (show)
Profile picture for zenren14 @zenren14

@malebreastcancer47
Hello, May I ask you what is ALT approach?
Thank-you
@zenren14

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@zenren14 For me, the alt approach is an alpha stim prescribed by a therapist for anxiety. However having anxiety, ADHD PTSD and cancer treatment that causes brain fog, I am now also pursuing neurofeedback that re-trains my subconscious to self-regulate, or stay present. Its been used since the 50s, NASA uses it to train astronauts. Thankfully its not expensive, as insurance covers more of the cost.

The neurofeedback does help with reversing chemo effects but also other ailments. When I return to Mayo in fall for checkup, my oncology team asked to see the Alpha Stim, how it works. Hopefully they perform a study as an alt form to meds for anxiety, depression and insomnia.

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synthiaMaine | @synthiame | 4 days ago
In reply to @malebreastcancer47 "@joetex She is 85 yrs old and has made this far without meds. Why do meds..." + (show)
Profile picture for Arvind Natarajan @malebreastcancer47

@joetex She is 85 yrs old and has made this far without meds. Why do meds now?
Any med recommendation by anyone on Mayo connect is our journey, I think a doctor has examine her before recommending a cure so she feels better. Everything has side effects and once you are hooked, there’s no going back to normal and self-managing.

I am 50 yrs old, on top of ADHD, anxiety PTSD, I am on a daily cancer treatment. I work hard with alt methods to reduce side effects. My Mayo oncology team suggested a low dose of anxiety meds, I refused. I love the alt approach. Even a med for hot flashes and brain fog. I said No to all. I want to fight like Ellen. 🙂

Jump to this post

@malebreastcancer47 can I ask what your alt route was?

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worley725 | @worley725 | 4 days ago

This is an interesting question. I am a retired nurse, I am 69 years old. I have had brain cancer - had laser surgery initially. But the cancer returned. I went to another oncologist, and we discussed alternative treatments. We decided to do a heavy dose of chemotherapy. I have been clear of cancer for six plus years now. I am so pleased. Needless to say, with my cancer, I had some depression and anxiety. I actually thought I might die. I always have a positive attitude, and I have gotten better without medication for depression or anxiety. I believe some therapy or a social worker could help to get you straightened out. Good luck, my friend.

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jemimapuddled | @jemimapuddled | 2 days ago

I also suffer from depression and severe anxiety which stems from a build up of lifelong events. I have been diagnosed with Complex PTSD steming from trauma suffered in my early 20s. Just wondering if your GP has prescribed you anti-depressants and/or anti anxiety medication....

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