A cancer diagnosis can have a tremendous impact on patients, their families, and caregivers. Anxiety, fear, and depression are very common emotional responses to such a life-altering event and various things may cause these feelings.
Causes of Depression after a Cancer Diagnosis
There is no “business as usual” after finding out you or a family member has cancer. A number of things change and these changes tend to cause feelings of depression. The changes to the physical body are often significant and this can impact confidence and self-esteem. It’s a difficult thing to not like what you see when you look in a mirror and it’s even more so when you can’t do anything about it. In addition to body image changes, relationships with family members and work roles may also change negatively, which can cause sadness, tension, even grief.
The physical symptoms of cancer and cancer treatment side effects, such as nausea, pain, loss of appetite, sleep disruption, and fatigue, can also cause feelings of depression and anxiety.
What You Can Do
Feeling distress about the many changes after a cancer diagnosis can happen at any time, even after the cancer has been treated. It is important to reach out to family, close friends, and/or a support group after a cancer diagnosis, or at any point really. It’s never too soon or too late. The more social support a cancer patient and their family has, the better the patient can cope with negative emotions. According to the American Cancer Society, “Patients with more social support tend to feel less anxious and depressed and report a better quality of life.”
A patient’s cancer care team is also a valuable resource when feelings of depression, fear, or anxiety become overwhelming. Discussing these and other issues can help the patient feel more comfortable. Emotional problems can often be alleviated with support groups, medicines, psychotherapy, or a combination, but asking for help is the first step.
When To Be Concerned
Unfortunately, in the overwhelming stress and even confusion after a cancer diagnosis, the patient and/or those close to them may not realize they are emotionally distressed until it becomes serious. Cancer is an emotional rollercoaster, but if you observe any of the following behaviors, it is imperative to contact your cancer care team and get help right away.
- Thoughts or plans of hurting herself or himself
- Thoughts or plans of suicide
- Unable to sleep
- Unable to eat
- Apathetic to usual activities for many days
- Unable to enjoy things they used to
- Confused
- Emotions interfere with daily activities for several days
- Excessive sweating
- Trouble breathing
- New or unusual symptoms
- Restlessness
The bottom line: No one should face cancer alone. Find support and always ask for help.