Claire:
While we're all individuals and handle the ramifications of an acoustic neuroma - it's symptoms and the sometimes life-altering changes surgery and/or radiation produce, differently - anxiety and depression are fairly common in AN patients - and for good reason. Some of the posts here will attest to the unpleasant reality that unexpectedly and permanently losing your hearing in one ear, facial paralysis - at almost any noticeable level - and the other assorted complications that can come with an AN and/or following surgery and/or radiation can certainly drive a person into some form of depression.
Contrary to common misconceptions, one does not simply 'snap out of it'. It can take a plethora of losses and some time to drive a person into depression and it often takes time and effort (with professional help) to climb out of it. Of course, a positive attitude and a solid circle of support, be it family or friends or a healthy combination of each certainly does help someone deal with the 'AN experience'. However, family and friends cannot see the AN and when it's been removed (or radiated), they often assume - mistakenly - that you should simply 'bounce back' to your old self. After all, your medical problem has been 'fixed', right? Wrong!
The AN patient has undergone a life-changing experience, been forced to face his or her mortality and inevitably has to deal with the results of the tumor that has taken their hearing in one ear, upset their normal equilibrium and otherwise altered their lifestyle to some degree. This doesn't even include the initial stress of finding a surgeon you can feel confident with, dealing with insurance, work-related issues (before and after surgery or radiation) and then, should complications arise following surgery or radiation treatment, accepting whatever you've lost and adapting to the 'new you'. To say 'only the strong survive' (an AN) is an understatement.
For these reasons, I would sincerely encourage any AN patient who realizes they are unable to cope and perhaps sliding into depression - on any level - to seek professional help; be it accomplished through professional counselllng, a psychologist or a psychiatrist. Even confiding your fears and frustrations to a clergyman or sensitive and trusted friend beats keeping all of the angst inside,to fester, although I believe a trained profession may offer more helpful advice and ways to deal with your issues. Of course, there are always the forums here at the ANA website, which are free. Of course we can't really counsel anyone with any degree of professional expertise - and we don't try to do so - but we can be a safe place to vent to those who will not only empathize but might be able to offer some ways they may have coped with their losses and frustration having an acoustic neuroma brought about.
Claire, I hope you feel better soon and I trust that you'll avail yourself of these forums as well as seek out professional help to deal with all the 'havoc' of an acoustic neuroma. Your inquiry about the possible benefits of talking to a psychologist demonstrates sound judgment and I believe that with a little help, you'll eventually be fine. Please stay connected here and know that you'll be in the prayers of myself and many others.
Jim
