I started journaling on the trip out here to Alaska; 2012. I write things like the weather on the day, what current events are......News. Also stuff that happen around here that are not all that exciting to someone else but handy when I need to look up something a year down the line or so. When we had the landslide, I filled up a lot of pages. I have a binder with much of my induction MM treatments, and then stopped recording stats, unless there was something unusual going on. Christmas, I get myself a new journal and start it on New Years Eve. I've gotten to like it, don't enter things every single day, but most.It's usually the last thing I do before turning in at night. If I can't sleep, I'll add some things to that day.

HA!! Have you noticed, even without anxiety, troubles are more magnified at night when you can't sleep? Morning comes and those thoughts just kind of vaporize...usually

I get up and get on my kindle or journal, just distract myself from what's keeping me awake.

I have been dealing with both for a long time. Sorry to have you join the club! But there is something you can do about it. I treat them both the same way through meditation. Find a comfortable position. I like the traditional cross legged meditation pose but that is not necessary. Just get comfortable. Sit quietly and close your eyes and try and clear your mind of thoughts. Clinicly proven tecnique is to count to four as you breath in than count to six as you breath out. Concintrate on the counting and breathing. Let everything else go. All the exists in your reality is just the numbers and the breathing. Do it for 20 minutes. It may seem like that is a lifetime, but it gets easier over time. And it really works. When you get good at that you can add in imagining a good feeling while you are doing it, but to start with, if you can just count and breathe, you are doing great! I am a retired business owner who is now a meditation instructor (who also has Multiple Myeloma), and this really works! It has been a lifesaver for me. I am also a motor cycle rider, a good relaxing ride on some empty country roads can also do wonders for your mood. (But you probably already know that!) Good Luck and if you have any questions I am happy to help!!!

Hi Curt. I have had depression and anxiety issues all my life. Myeloma has not helped. Like Darrell said, I also had PTSD after my first year of treatment. Journaling, praying help me. Controlling things I can, like exercise and eating well help. Not focusing on things I can't change. I can't worry about relapse and whether or not I'm going to get leukemia from all the treatments I've had. I try to enjoy each day and stay as positive as possible. I did see a counselor the first year I was diagnosed. She was a cancer survivor as well. That helped. I also took Lexapro for depression and anxiety the first couple of years. It helped, especially when I was taking all that dexamethasone. It also helps me to know that I'm not the only one. Please reach out and get help. Sending big hugs🥰

Breathing.....so simple! Slow deliberate inhaling and exhaling...a distraction from uncomfortable thoughts , when we should be sleeping. The Litany of Trust...a reminder to me, from a lovely member in here. Pills don't work for me!!