Depression, anxiety, and social isolation: oh my!
Following my diagnosis of Stage IV cervical cancer [CC], I was referred for fertility treatments because the recommended chemotherapy and radiation was sure to lead to infertility and premature menopause.
I don't even know how to describe the emotional swings I experienced. I would be weeping one moment and laughing hysterically the next. And the HOT flashes of menopause: enough said. Thankfully, a few weeks into my radiation therapy, my radiation oncologist prescribed a medication called Effexor. Effexor is commonly used to treat depression, but it also treats HOT flashes.
Effexor was actually prescribed for the HOT flashes, but the antidepressant effect proved to be lifesaving to some degree as feeling of anxiety and social isolation would overwhelm quite often.
Now, let's talk stigma and shame. There is a persevering stigma attached to taking antidepressants and anti-anxiety medications, so much so, that I was ashamed to admit I was taking them. Thankfully, it is easy to hide our medication list, but SERIOUSLY why should we have to feel shame on top of the grief, fear, and uncertainty of being diagnosed with cancer?
Bottom Line: We shouldn't!
I am a 31-year-young,young adult with cervical cancer who spent one too many days feeling alone not knowing another person my age facing cancer. That is a TERRIBLE feeling. Reluctantly, I attended a few support groups, but found myself surrounded by individuals much older than me. Eventually, I made a real live cancer friend, @katie_tigerlily, and I began to feel comfortable sharing parts of myself again. From there, I found Stupid Cancer, a not for profit that serves the needs of young adults with cancer exclusively. (Actually, my mom found Stupid Cancer as she searched resources relentlessly as most parents do: bless them!). @Katie_tigerlily and I signed up for CancerCon, Stupid Cancer's annual conference, and it changed my life forever as I was rubbing elbows with people my age facing the same things who REALLY "got it". Let me tell you: you can not put a price tag on connections, friendships like those. I walked away from that conference knowing that I wanted to help others. I knew I wanted to be a part of the young adult cancer movement. These realizations made my life good again!
Enter Connect4Cancer.
@Katie_tigerlily and I are proud to be C4C representatives in Denver, CO. Since out start as bloggers and YouTubers, we have been appointed as Committee Mambers of this great organization. C4C provides us with the opportunity to reach and serve so many people, and hopefully, make a positive impact on their lives. We are just two girls with a dream.
So, was I depressed? Definitely!
Was I anxious? Absolutely!!
Do I take an antidepressant and anti-anxiety medications? Unashamedly!
Was I feeling alone? You Bet!
Was I REALLY alone? NOPE!
If there was one thing I would change about those early days, it would be this: I would reach out and meet the world, the new world that I found myself a part of. Warriors walking along side of me as I became a warrior myself.
I'd love to get to know you, so come follow me on Instagram (@CowabungaLily), and if you are new to this world in need of a friend, then email info@connect4cancer.org. I'll make sure to connect with you.
Better yet, join the C4C crew at
CancerCon2016
in Denver, CO, 4/29-5/1,and we can meet face-to-face.
Hugs
@CowabungaLily
