Do you have any advice for coping with the emotional challenges?
After my Lupron shot, I developed severe depression and at first saw a psychologist. But she soon recognized I needed much more help than she could give me and sent me to a psychiatrist about 2 1/2 years ago. Ultimately I was on the maximum dosage of two antidepressants for almost two years. Happy to say my psychiatrist is letting me reduce one of the antidepressants (I'm at half the original dosage, and I think I'll be able to come down even further). But depression is a tough mental challenge that almost all people need help with if it's even moderate, not to mention severe. I'm quite extroverted and have found that getting out with and involved with people has also been very helpful. (This is coming to you from my daughter's home where 3 grandchildren REALLY help with it also.) Len Smith ProstateCancer.net Moderator
Prayer and trusting in The Lord, my wife , plus a large prayer support group .
, I think both you and Len get at a really important aspect of mental wellbeing - having a community. I'm so glad you have a well of strength in your faith and network of people. Thankful for spouses and partners, always. Thanks for sharing your tips! - Nina, ProstateCancer.net Team 
Hi fredschneeman. I just wanted to follow-up on what you and Nina had to say on the power of support and community. We have a sister-site for rheumatoid arthritis (my wife is a contributor and was diagnosed as a young child) and one of the contributors did a ten part series on things she would tell her newly diagnosed self. Making the list of advice was simply "Find Community:" https://rheumatoidarthritis.net/living/no-8-find-community/. Thought I would post it here since the message is so powerful and universal for those dealing with serious medical issues. Wishing you the best, Richard (ProstateCancer.net Team)
