Recognizing Signs and Symptoms of Depression
It is a normal reaction to feel depressed when diagnosed with breast cancer. Feelings of being overwhelmed, anxious, and fearful of the future lend themselves to a feeling of general depression. This is often referred to as reactive depression — depression in response to a life circumstance.
It is an understandable reaction to have feelings of depression when dealing with ongoing breast cancer treatment. Some of the side effects of depression common in cancer treatment include:
Chronic fatigue
Sleeping problems
Changes in eating habits
Loss of appetite because of medications
Feelings of hopelessness and uncertainty concerning the outcome of your cancer treatment
In Her Own Words
To me, the anxiety before any testing or surgery or even chemo has been the most difficult part. The MRI, ultrasounds, biopsy, even surgery weren't so bad because all I really had to do was show up. Hypnosis and meditation beforehand helped me through it all.
— Julie, 28, 2-month survivor
There are usually social workers or nurses where you are receiving your cancer treatment who can offer support. Or they can refer you to a local breast cancer support group. If you are a private person, you may want to seek individual counseling regarding your breast cancer treatment and its impact on your life and feelings. Sorting these feelings out with a professional can make all the difference in your cancer treatment.
The goal is to position yourself with a strategy of health; depression brings down the spirit and will to live. Depression can compromise your immune system at a time when you need to come from a position of strength. To use a football analogy, depression can be the offense and you have to be the defense, ready to tackle it head-on with the support of your team. Remember, depression is not bigger than you and your team. If you have a genetic predisposition to depression or were depressed prior to your diagnosis, then it is recommended that you seek professional help. It will be important to share with your counselor what medications you are taking so they will not interfere with your breast cancer treatment.
In His Own Words
I felt so helpless when my girlfriend was diagnosed, like I'd been punched in the gut. All I felt I could do was go with her to appointments, and after she started chemo, sit with her to watch TV, making sure she's got something to eat and drink and making sure she's comfortable. I realized that just being present means so much.
— Mark, 28, boyfriend of Julie, 28, 2-month survivor
After breast cancer treatment, depression can take you by surprise. You think you should be happy now that your treatment is over. Recognize this as a common occurrence: While you are actively receiving cancer treatment you feel that you are doing something about it and are fighting to eradicate it, but when breast cancer treatment is over, it is hard to rely on your own body to be healthy and not make cancer cells. You feel like you have to gain the trust back that your body will stay healthy. This requires a lot of energy, but if you're aware of it, you can position yourself to be healthy.
Most women who are living with a breast cancer diagnosis feel a sense of sadness and depression at various stages of their treatment. Your life has changed forever and perhaps you have been thrown into early menopause. Your life as you knew it has been turned upside down. Who wouldn't feel sad and depressed at times? Because it is a “normal” occurrence to feel this way when going through breast cancer treatment, the symptoms of a clinical depression may not be recognized by your family, friends, or even health care providers. Depression is a manageable problem that can accompany your breast cancer diagnosis. Here are some signs for you to be aware of that may indicate that you have a clinical depression that may warrant the help of an accredited psychotherapist:
An inability to cope
An overwhelming feeling of helplessness and hopelessness
Inertia (an inability to move or act)
An inability to concentrate
Memory problems
Panic attacks
Loss of pleasure in what used to make you happy
Lack of interest in sex or food
Sleep disturbances
Fact
If your doctor has prescribed an antidepressant medication, be aware that it may take up to six weeks before you feel its effects.
As you can see, many of these symptoms are common during your course of breast cancer treatment. A good rule of thumb is that if you are having a difficult time moving through these feelings, seek the help of a professional. Sometimes even one visit can make a big difference in how you view the world.
