Hi Patrick...well, I was just diagnosed last week with SCC. Don't have alot of experience with that yet. But I have had several episodes of depression which were very bad. I have been on various meds on and off. To me, the side effects weren't worth it.
I then decided to try something new (new for me I mean!). I went for acupuncture and also got the chinese herb tea made up for me. I also try to go for a massage when I can afford it. I also went for a six week, every Tues night meditation class. I have been an RN for 24 years, so this wasn't really my thing. But I will tell you that I haven't felt this calm and at peace EVER. Well, the cancer has thrown a wrench into it of course. But guess what? So far, so good. Haven't really felt a big dark depression coming on yet. For me, mental health comes first. With a depressed mood and outlook, I figure it just takes a bad situation and makes it that much more difficult to deal with. So, I would suggest checking out any local meditation classes. There are usually some inexpensive ways to do it. I took vipisana meditation. Hope this helps. Denise