Depression
Depression is said to be the least recognised symptom in people with cancer. It can be one of the hardest things for you and your family to cope with.
It’s completely understandable to have very strong feelings of sadness for some time after your diagnosis or during your treatment. But this is not the same as being depressed.
Many doctors are now better at diagnosing and treating depression in people with cancer. But we're still not sure exactly how common it is, and much more research needs to be done.
Depression can happen soon after your cancer diagnosis. But it is also quite normal to become depressed after finishing your treatment. As one person told us:
"It wasn't until a long time afterwards that I realised the stress of my cancer had made me depressed and very tearful."
It might be that at the time, you put so much effort into getting over the diagnosis and getting through the treatment that you don’t always have a chance to think about it all. It isn't until everything is over that it hits you.
This can be difficult for other people to understand. Just when they think you should be getting back to normal, you may feel more down than ever. It may help to talk to a counsellor or psychologist.
Depression can affect your ability to cope with everyday things such as:
eating
sleeping
hygiene
social activities
work
Depression is a medical illness, like having a broken leg or a heart condition. It needs treatment.
It is not a condition that you can just shake off. This is very often difficult for people around you to understand. Unless someone has been depressed themselves, it is almost impossible for them to understand how it feels.
It’s important to remember that being depressed doesn't mean that you are weak.
The important thing to know is that there is treatment for depression. Without treatment, the symptoms of depression may go on for a very long time, sometimes months or years.
But with the right treatment for depression, most people will feel better within a few weeks. So if you suspect you could be depressed, it’s best to speak to your doctor or nurse so that you can have treatment quickly.
Read more about symptoms of depression
Maudsley Learning, part of the South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust, has a set of cancer and mental wellbeing videos for people affected by cancer.
The videos have information and advice on what to do if a cancer diagnosis affects your mental health. They cover several topics, including breaking bad news, managing anxiety, common reactions to a diagnosis, and relationships.
Last reviewed: 03 Nov 2022
Next review due: 03 Nov 2025
Several things can cause depression. Being diagnosed with cancer is enough to trigger an episode of depression in some people.
Depression is different from feeling sad, it is an illness and needs treatment.
Counselling can help you come to terms with your cancer. Understanding what it is and how it can help, can help you decide if it is right for you.
There are a few ways to go about finding a counsellor.
There are things you can do to help yourself manage your feelings and emotions.
Whether you are someone with cancer or a carer for someone with cancer, we want you to know that it is common to struggle with your mental health when dealing with a cancer diagnosis. But there are people who can support you during this time and things you can do to help yourself.
About Cancer generously supported by Dangoor Education since 2010. Learn more about Dangoor Education
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