Diagnosis of cancer in the family..is it normal to feel depressed?

little miss sunshine1

A family member was diagnosed with cancer over 4 months ago. They are undergoing treatment at the moment.

Ever since, I have felt so alone, so scared, lost count of the amount of times I've cried and cried out of the blue. Feeling like this makes me feel kinda selfish. This feeling hits me every morning when I wake up. It's like nobody understands that the diagnosis has put a bomb under everything we once knew.

Just don't know what to do, or how to cope.

Any advice? I am aware you cannot give medical advice.

Thanks

Ahhhh for forks sake!

Not at all. A family member who is close to you has gotten devastating news. I genuinely wish they have a speedy recovery with little side effects. It's a very traumatic time for you and your family member suffering. I really hope you're OK.

Obviously the recovery of your family member will be central, but please look after yourself too. If you are feeling down, worried or anxious there are lots of avenues to get help. Please talk to Samaritans or your GP if you need help or are worried and down.

HandsomeBob

It is normal.

It's the stress of life having to go on as normal that causes those feelings, well it was for me anyway.

I sobbed every day in the cubicles in work that's how down I was.....but it will pass eventually. You just need to be mindful that it doesn't get to the point where it's impeding you in doing every day things like going to work.

brightspark

I would imagine it's less "normal" not to get depressed when a family member has a serious illness.

Is there a family member you can talk to about it? Talking helps.

Don't know anything about the site below, just found it on Google, but they probably know more than me.

http://arccancersupport.ie/

Gremlinertia

There are support groups out there for people who have family with cancer, you find some of them on cancer.ie it's absolutely normal to feel stunned and down it's a big shift in balance within a family or friend dynamic. Perhaps ask them if there is anything in particular they would like, perhaps accompany them to appointments or to something they enjoy or help with household stuff. If things feel too much your gp is usually worth a chat..

2006

It's definitely normal to feel how you're feeling. I myself had a cancer diagnosis last year and it hit my mother harder than me. I flew through all treatments and have came through the other side now. But my mam took it really bad and didn't speak about it at first. Please talk to someone and tell them how your feeling. There really is great support for families and it will help

Hithere246

I think what you're feeling is completely normal. I had a family member diagnosed recently also. I find it comes in waves and it also can come out of the blue...blindsided in work is another hurdle. My family member is very strong minded and down plays everything so when he's having a bad day I have to read between the lines. It does make it easier for everyone. I had partaken in an alternative form of healing in the months prior to the diagnosis and felt I had a platform or solid foundation to deal with everything. I also attended counselling since. I don't suffer from depression but am pro active with regards to my mental health. I suppose what I'm trying to say is that I'm really sorry about your family members diagnosis and your reaction to it is completely normal. There is so much benefit and relief from getting support from the right person or group..whether it be a support group, counsellor or someone practicing alternative medicine. I find the really difficult part is that so many people are depending on me to be their rock as we all struggle through the horror. Thinking of you and all the other peeps in situation xx