Mental Case

Staying Well Mentally, For Your Loved Ones

I’m moody...MOOOOOODY! Two out of twelve rounds done, my third is on Thursday, and my mood is ALL OVER THE PLACE. Some people are aware of this, and some aren’t. I’ve struggled with anxiety and depression since my teenage years. Back in my 20s, I experienced a serious bout of it. It was a long, tough decline to rock bottom. However, I sought help, spent time in the hospital, and utilized cognitive skills in conjunction with medication. I managed really well. I got better.

Learning to recognize the signs of another impending decline into depression was vital. I became attuned to my own signals that indicated I wasn’t handling life well. During my pregnancy with Chelsea, I went off medication, but soon realized I needed the support it had been providing due to my uncontrollable hormones. I continued my medications until a few years ago, when my doctor recommended a break. Since then, I have been maintaining and coping really well with life.

Recognizing the need for self-care, quieting my mind, validating my feelings, and dealing with intrusive thoughts have been integral to my journey. Fast forward to the present, I am grappling with one of the most stressful events of my life. One of my chemo injections is a targeted hormone drug called Herceptin. It attacks cells attached to my hormones as my cancer is hormone-positive. This means estrogen, progesterone, and HER2 proteins fuel the cancer, necessitating the killing off of the hormones. It's akin to experiencing menopausal symptoms.

Coping with these physical symptoms and managing my emotions has been challenging. I’m grateful for my understanding husband and supportive family, but it pains me to admit that I have sometimes taken out my frustration on those who love me most.

Why am I sharing this? Because mental health is not something to diminish or push aside. On regular days, amidst normal stressors and responsibilities, prioritizing mental health should be non-negotiable. The more we nurture our minds, the better we can recognize when we are struggling.

I admit, the past few months have been a struggle to stay positive, with anxiety and depression creeping in again. So, it’s time to revisit those coping strategies. While I am hesitant about medications due to my current treatments, I am open to them if necessary. My family is also prepared to recognize signs and offer support.

Implementing practices like meditation, reading my Bible, stretching, staying active, walking, maintaining a healthy diet, and staying hydrated are part of my routine – though, admittedly, not every day. Some days are just about allowing myself to feel the emotions and wishing for more people to sit with me.

This journey isn’t just hard on me. It’s a shared struggle with my husband, Justin, who is my rock, and my daughter, Chelsea, who offers quiet companionship. Ensuring their mental well-being is as crucial as managing mine. My extended family, watching from afar, share in this journey too. It’s a collective challenge.

For those going through something similar, or witnessing a loved one in distress, don’t underestimate the importance of mental health. Reach out, talk to a doctor, confide in a trusted friend. Life is tough, and no one expects you to get through it unscathed. Be kind to yourself and don’t hesitate to seek help.

As for me, I am being extra gentle with myself, especially as I approach my third treatment this Thursday. It brings a mixture of sadness and anxiety, but I allow myself to feel those emotions and then face each day one step at a time.

With Love, H