How do keep from being depressed when you have had cancer?

I am struggling with the depression aspect of having cancer and would love to hear how y'all are coping...

Thank you

I try to keep involved with my family, its easy to shut everyone out. Sometimes I almost feel like I am defective.

I have had throat cancer twice. Being a non smoker this was quite a shock to me.

Speaking from personal experience, I find keeping as busy as you can helps prevent depression. I do light cleaning, run errands, spend time with my mom,. I also help take care if my b/ f. He also got struck with serious health issues. Had to have his leg amputated. He was always there for me, and I love him dearly.

If you dint stay busy and focused, you will have too much time on your hands. Hence depression will set in. Be a fighter, and a warrior like me. By the way, I cant eat or drink by mouth and cant speak. So no quality of life for me. But God kept me alive for a specific reason, which only he knows. I try to help as many people as I can. It 's never easy, but you cant just give up!

I have never taken any anti depressant or anti anxiety medication in my 23 year battle with Cancer. I have also never seen a therapist or psychologist. I'm probably not the norm on this and I'm sure maybe I should have taken medication or seen a therapist. However what has gotten me thru all my trials and tribulations is two main things. First, I have an amazing family and a core group of very good ,long term friends who I've been able to openly talk to about anything that is bothering me or when I feel down. Secondly, I try to find a purpose in my life everyday. I'm fortunate to have a workshop that I can do woodworking, wood carving or even welding. I find purpose some days trying to be the best husband I can be. This is very important because my wife does so much for me. Likewise I try to be the best dad and Papa to my children and grandchildren. There is absolutely no way I can stay down in the dumps when I'm around those kids. Again, I know how fortunate I am to have these two primary ways to not let Cancer get me down. It's worked for me this long, I don't plan on changing any time soon!

I've struggled with depression a lot longer than I have had cancer. For me, music is a big help in fighting depression. Whether you make music or fill your house with music from your favorite artists, music makes me MOVE. Even when I'm feeling bad I'm a great chair-dancer!! Lol. It also occupies my mind while I'm singing/screeching.

I have also battled depression long before getting cancer. I was on antidepressants for many years that did help tremendously, but you have to find the “one” that works for you. I lost my husband in 2015 unexpectedly and it truly turned my world upside down and inside out. I’ve never been the same.

I was diagnosed with stage 4 metastatic cervical cancer in 2018. Needless to say, dealing with this without my partner, has been UNBELIEVABLE HARD!! I have amazing grown kids (youngest is 19 in few days) and 10 beautiful grandkids. They definitely help keep me going & I love Jesus and He definitely is my strength when I just feel I can’t go on anymore!! Sometimes I want to throw my hands up and give up this fight. The chemo, the endless radiation, the pain, nausea, diarrhea, constipation, anxiety… the list goes on and on…. But, I do feel like I’m still here for a purpose & I love helping others! I want to be a light to anyone I can be. I want to help pray with others & for others because I’ve personally experienced the power of prayer!!! I want to listen, to give a smile or a hug, maybe just an encouraging word… life is TOUGH. We ALL have our battles but when I’m at my lowest, I’m always reminded of what I DO have to be thankful for! All the many reasons I need to keep battling this horrible condition… I too love music and believe it’s very therapeutic. I will crank up the praise music or some dance songs or whatever I’m in the mood for at that time. I open up the blinds and let light in. I try to do everything I can to NOT allow the depression and darkness to overtake me! I go to Jesus and lay it all at His feet with tears pouring onto my cheeks… I cry out to my love that is no longer here on earth, to my mom who’s also gone… I make myself pick up the phone and send a message to my bff who prays for and with me. Most of the time I don’t “feel” like doing these things, but I make myself because I HAVE TO! Our emotions and feelings are so important during our fight- without the positivity, the hope, the light, I personally know I cannot win this!!! And I also know I’m not alone- I have all you amazing fighters, warriors to help me!!!

Don't give in, don’t give up before YOUR MIRACLE HAPPENS!!!! 🥰❤️🙏🏼