This week's discussion was
triggered by this article posted by one of our members highlighting that the
use of anti-depressants amongst those diagnosed with cancer is double that of
the general population (1 in 5 compared to 1 in 10).
Some of us shared that we'd found
anti-depressants a great help, others were adamant that we don't wish to use
them, although even those who have abstained so far were clear they would
consider them. Experiences of taking anti-depressants varied, from providing clarity
at one end of the spectrum, to masking reality and numbness at the other. The
difficulty of coming off medication due to withdrawal side effects was also
highlighted.
What is clear from our members' contributions is the
immense psychological challenges that accompany a cancer diagnosis. Many of us
have sought help for low mood and anxiety, others have experienced fatigue and
long term pain, many had been given anti-depressants - sometimes because they
felt that there was little alternative. The end of treatments like
chemotherapy/radiotherapy/surgery was identified as a vulnerable time,
accompanied by and a sense of feeling lost and being cast adrift. We also wondered
about the psychological needs of those living with secondary breast cancer.
Though we would never want to
take away any strategies for coping, we think it is important to highlight the
contradictions, and controversies in relation to anti-depressants, including
the lack of understanding about the mechanisms by which they 'work'.
While we need to cope as
effectively as we can, and we need to survive, Naz told us that the
longitudinal 'effects' (or lack of) in these drugs are problematic - we expect
the brain to take over after a course of antidepressants, but what happens?
Many people need to go back on them again. We also don't know how they affect
cognitive function.
We all feel that more holistic
and longer term support is required to help us with the breadth and depth of
the psychological adjustments required and identified the importance of our
group as a safe place to share our feelings.
#ResilienceDiscussion
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