How to handle anxiety, stress and depression now that I was diagnosed?

I am so sorry to hear that you are not feeling well. Having psychological symptoms can certainly make you feel worse. The only thing I can do is to pray for you, and THAT, l can do well!

Oh my goodness!! My heart goes out to you..I will pray for you ..healing and peace!!

Can you afford any therapy?

What kind of therapy are u talking about?

I am so sorry to hear that you have cancer. I have an illness that has changed my life. I started waking up hopeless and had anxiety (still do sometimes) and depression. What I have tried to do is remain in present moment. All any of us has is today. I really try to keep my thoughts from going to the future as it is not here. I wake up and ask my conception of a Higher Power to help me today. None of us is promised tomorrow. I listen to meditations on YouTube when I when I am going to bed and it does help me sleep better. I am a complete believer that our subconscious can hear things. I also suggest looking up Eckhart Tolle on YouTube. Listen to some of his answers to questions from his audience. I find that the way he views life is comforting and it makes a lot of sense to me. I also started taking Cymbalta. I started at the lowest dose. If you have an option to see a psychiatrist, I would do that and they might be able to prescribe some medications to help. I always tell myself, that an asteroid could blow up the planet tonight and none of us would be here (at least in our bodies) anymore. This could happen at any time. This helps me remain in the present moment. Hang in there TODAY!

@mandi123
I’m sorry to hear of your diagnosis. Do you have local family and friends that can help you? Does your medical team have support groups for their patients with your diagnosis?

Definitely work with your doctor and psychiatrist to get help managing your symptoms and medications. You may need something to help you relax enough to fall sleep.

What medications have you tried? It took me a while to find the right medications and combinations. It is still a work in progress for me to get out of the deep pit of depression to try to function each day. Don’t give up trying to get some relief and support while you navigate the road ahead.

I pray you get good care during your journey and find peace that passes all understanding. 🙏

Thank you!
Does Cymbalta work for you? I have heard of it, but never taken it.
Sorry for your illness as well!

I’ll pray for you. My younger daughter has cancer and lost her leg and bladder. I hope you find some peace.

I would be surprised if your doctor didn't subscribe for you sleep meds, because not getting 6 1/2 to 8 hrs of sleep a night is essential to dealing with your medical issues. Make sure he/she knows how important sleep meds are for your temporary insomnia. Getting outside in nature helps. Exercise every day....even calisthenics, or just walking. Do you have a social life? Family or best friend? Instead of negative or scary news and dramas, go to You Tube and use it to create good vibes.

@mandi123 Thank you for coming to Mayo Clinic Connect and allowing us to provide you with emotional support. My mother-in-law was diagnosed with ocular melanoma that had been present for some time (I was told) but she was so overwhelmed with caring for her husband who had dementia that she delayed follow-up and treatment. I will share that she lived an active life with the ocular melanoma for 5 years (she died at age 90) after family members helped her to seek treatment. I bring this up because I'm familiar with ocular melanoma and how frightening the diagnosis is.

You wrote that you feel anxious and depressed. I would like to say - of course you feel this way. I can't imagine that anyone could through this easily after the shock of your cancer diagnosis. You are seeing a psychiatrist and have tried medications which have not been helpful. Have you tried more than one or two medications? Sometimes it takes some trials and frequent visits with your doctor to figure out what will work best.

Are you seeing a mental health professional? I'm referring to a mental health counselor who will provide you with talk therapy by listening to you and helping you through this difficult time. I am referring to a psychologist, counselor, or social worker? You don't state your age but if you are in the U.S. and have Traditional Medicare A and B and a supplemental plan I know that the cost of a Ph.D. psychologist is covered at least 80%. If you have a Medicare Care Advantage Plan through, for instance, Blue Cross/Blue Shield or United you can call the phone number of the back and of your card and ask if outpatient mental health counseling is covered.

What have you found that calms you down some and helps you cope?