Depression and cancer

Depression and cancer

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 is sometimes difficult to recognise because a lot of the physical symptoms of depression can also be caused by the cancer and its treatment. It is easier to identify based on thoughts and feelings of:

• hopelessness

• guilt

• lack of motivation

In someone who is depressed, these thoughts and feelings do not change over time.

After cancer treatment

Depression can happen soon after your cancer diagnosis. But it is also quite normal to become depressed after finishing your treatment.

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 and you are out of 'survival mode' that it hits you.

This can be difficult for other people to understand. Just when they think you should be happy and getting back to normal, you may feel more down than ever. It may help to talk to a counsellor or psychologist.

How can depression affect you

Depression can affect your ability to cope with everyday things, such as:

• eating

• sleeping

• hygiene

• social activities

• work

Many people also find they stop enjoying the things they used to.

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. However, they do not need to understand it in order to recognise it or to help support you.

It’s important to remember that being depressed doesn't mean that you are weak. It only means that there is a psychological issue that needs to be addressed.

Treatment

The important thing to know is that there are treatments for depression. Without treatment, the symptoms of depression may go on for a very long time, sometimes months or years, and may worsen.

But with the right treatment for depression, most people will feel better within a few weeks. So if you or someone close to 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

More information