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Managing Depression During Cancer Treatments
If you’re dealing with cancer, there are many reasons why you might be depressed.
Cancer treatments like chemotherapy can also be a driving force behind your mood change. And depression can curtail your well-being in many ways. Depression can also affect your relationships with family, friends, and your partner, so treating it is vital to preserving your quality of life.
Feelings of depression are common when patients and family members are coping with cancer. It's normal to feel sadness and grief. Dreams, plans, and the future may seem uncertain. But if a person has been sad for a long time or is having trouble carrying out day-to-day activities, there is reason to be concerned.
Depression can be mild and temporary with periods of sadness, but can also be more severe and lasting. The more severe type is often called major depression or clinical depression.
Major or clinical depression makes it hard for a person to function and follow treatment plans. It happens in about 1 in 4 people with cancer, but it can be managed. People who have had depression before are more likely to have depression after their cancer diagnosis.
Managing depression during chemotherapy
Managing depression in people with cancer might include counseling, medication, or a combination of both, and sometimes other specialized treatments. These treatments improve the depression, reduce the suffering, and help the person with cancer have a better quality of life.
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Getting started is the hardest point. Here are some strategies to make exercise a staple in your routine.
Talk about feelings and fears that you or family members have. It’s OK to feel sad, angry, and frustrated, but don’t take it out on those close to you. It's important to listen carefully to each other, decide together what you can do to support each other, and encourage, but do not force, one another to talk.
Seek help through support groups and counseling.
Use mindfulness, prayer, meditation, or other types of spiritual support.
Try deep breathing and relaxation exercises several times a day.
For example, close your eyes, breathe deeply, focus on each body part and relax it, starting with your toes and working up to your head. When you’re relaxed, imagine yourself in a pleasant place, such as a breezy beach or a sunny meadow.
Consider working with a professional counselor to deal with the changes in your life.
Ask about treatments for depression.
Choose an activity you enjoy.
Try not to think about exercise as something you have to do. Instead, view it as another tool you use on your wellness journey.
When you're well-rested, you'll not only have more energy, but you may also have a more upbeat view on life and better focus.That's because sleep is about a whole lot more than just rest. In the deepest stage, it recharges the system that fights germs and keeps your body healthy. The stage where you dream boosts your ability to learn and remember things. And, it plays a big role in your emotional well-being. When you don't get quality shut-eye, it throws your brain chemistry out of whack. It's harder to think clearly and manage your feelings. That can sap your will to get things done and cause mood swings. Since sleep and depression both affect your brain, they can have big effects on each other, as well.
Give yourself a lot of grace.
Cancer is really scary. There is a lot of grief and sadness and fear. Usually, it gets better with the time, but people expect themselves to do everything they did before and add cancer and treatment into the mix, give yourselves a chance to navigate the experience. It will take time to know what will work for you.
What caregivers can do
- Gently invite the patient to talk about their fears and concerns. Do not force the patient to talk before they are ready.
- Listen carefully without judging the patient’s feelings or your own. It’s OK to point out and disagree with self-defeating thoughts.
- Avoid telling the person to “cheer up” or “think positively.”
- Decide together what you can do to support each other.
Don’t try to reason with the person if fear, anxiety, or depression is severe. Get help from someone on the cancer care team.
- Engage the person in activities they enjoy.
- Keep in mind that caregivers can also become depressed. All these suggestions may be used for caregivers, too.
- Take time to care for yourself. Spend time with friends or doing things you enjoy.
- Consider getting support for yourself through groups or one-on-one counseling.
Whether you’re experiencing depression from chemotherapy or from coping with your cancer, it’s not surprising that you might be at risk of suicide.
Seek professional help if you find you are in a low mood most days or more days than not, and if it persists for more than three weeks.
Dealing with cancer and depression can be an overwhelming experience, but it's important to remember that there are ways to improve your wellbeing during this challenging time. One simple yet effective solution is to consider the clothing you wear during chemotherapy treatments.
Wear 2 Conquer offers easy port access apparel specifically designed for women undergoing chemotherapy and dialysis. These specially crafted shirts can make a significant difference in your comfort and convenience during treatment sessions. By wearing Wear 2 Conquer shirts, you can:
- Reduce stress and anxiety associated with treatment preparation
- Maintain dignity and privacy during port access procedures
- Feel more comfortable and confident throughout your chemotherapy sessions
Choosing the right clothing for your treatments may seem like a small detail, but it can have a positive impact on your overall wellbeing. Wear 2 Conquer shirts are designed to make your chemotherapy experience more manageable, allowing you to focus on your recovery and emotional health.
Remember, taking care of your physical comfort is an important aspect of managing depression during cancer treatment. By incorporating Wear 2 Conquer shirts into your treatment routine, you're taking a proactive step towards improving your quality of life and emotional wellbeing during this challenging time.
As you continue your journey, consider exploring other supportive resources and coping strategies to help manage depression and anxiety. With the right tools and support, including comfortable and practical clothing from Wear 2 Conquer, you can face your treatments with greater confidence and resilience.