Dealing with a life-threatening illness causes a roller coaster of emotions. When the roller coter plunges downward, patients can feel helpless, sad, and in despair. Most patients feel this way at some time during treatment. In addition, medications such as steroids (prednisone) can cause emotional symptoms that add to the problem. If these feelings last for long periods of time, or if they interfere with your activities and relationships, you may be experiencing depression. In addition to feelings of sadness and helplessness, depression symptoms can include loss of appetite, changes in sleep patterns, lack of energy, and inability to focus. If you have had symptoms of depression or have been on antidepressants before in your life, be sure to tell your doctor, nurse, or social worker.
Your goals
- Acknowledge that it is normal to have feelings of sadness at times.
- Allow yourself to feel sad at times.
- Identify when you need help with depression.
Important signs and symptoms to report to your doctor or nurse
- Feeling sad most of the time for several days
- Experiencing feelings that interfere with your ability to care for yourself
- Thinking about hurting yourself
- Having mood swings that you cannot control
What you can do at home
- Allow yourself to feel sad at times.
- Talk about your feelings with someone who listens (family, friends, or a volunteer).
- Talk with other patients in your situation (support groups, phone contacts, or Internet chat rooms).
- Talk to spiritual advisors from your church and community.
- Get professional help when needed. Ask your doctor or nurse for a referral to a social worker who can evaluate and treat your depression.
