Depression in Cancer Patients

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Most people are not surprised to learn that depression and cancer often go hand in hand. Facing a serious medical condition like cancer can leave a person feeling vulnerable, helpless and anxious, and those emotions can lead to or worsen depression. Whether you have just been diagnosed, are in the middle of treatment or have completed it, cancer-related depression can develop.

What Is Cancer-Related Depression?

Cancer-related depression (sometimes referred to simply as cancer depression) is exactly what it sounds like: clinical depression due to cancer. It’s important to note that this condition is different from just feeling sad, even if your sadness is intense at times.

If you start to withdraw from friends and family, find it hard to get out of bed in the morning and have difficulty completing daily tasks that aren’t associated with your physical condition, you may have cancer-related depression.

Studies show that up to 25% of individuals dealing with a cancer diagnosis experience clinical depression, compared to roughly 7% of the general population. Some therapies, such as specific chemotherapy agents, immunotherapy drugs and steroid medications, can also trigger physiological changes that directly contribute to or worsen depression.

What Are the Symptoms of Depression in Cancer Patients?

People who suffer from depression due to cancer experience the same symptoms as people without cancer who are clinically depressed. These symptoms include:

• You experience an ongoing feeling of sadness, emotional numbness or hopelessness that lasts most of the day.
• You lose interest or pleasure in activities, hobbies and social gatherings you normally enjoy.
• You struggle with sleep issues, including severe insomnia, frequent nighttime waking or oversleeping.
• You feel overwhelming fatigue and a heavy physical sluggishness not caused by cancer or the treatments for it.
• You notice unintended shifts in your weight or significant changes in your appetite.
• You find yourself dealing with intense irritability, sudden frustration or other emotional distress.
• You continually find it difficult to concentrate, make decisions or process information.
• You have persistent feelings of guilt, worthlessness or shame regarding your illness.
• You have recurring thoughts of death, self-harm or suicide.

The degree and depth of depression can vary, and some people continue to experience depression after cancer treatment.

When Are Cancer Patients at the Highest Risk for Depression?

Emotional challenges can occur at any point across a patient’s cancer journey. Depression risk tends to peak during specific milestones, including the initial diagnosis phase, the onset of medical treatments, periods of extended uncontrolled pain, being discharged from the hospital and the transition into life as a cancer survivor. Coping with unexpected treatment complications, sudden changes in physical independence, or the return of cancer can also increase the risk of mood disorders.

Tips for Managing Depression During Cancer

If you feel you’re depressed, there are steps you can take to help minimize your symptoms. For example, you can practice meditation, prayer, deep breathing and relaxation exercises. You might also join a support group or meet with a counselor. Getting regular physical activity can help as well.

If your symptoms persist or worsen, your doctor may prescribe treatment using antidepressant medication. What’s important to remember is that you don’t have to suffer from cancer-related depression and that if you are experiencing it, you should ask for help.

When Should You Contact a Healthcare Provider About Cancer-Related Depression?

You don’t have to carry the emotional burden of cancer alone. Reach out to your oncologist, primary care physician or a licensed clinical behavioral health provider if you experience symptoms of depression that last longer than two weeks or interfere with your daily routine and treatment plan.

Learn More About Cancer and Depression From Baptist Health

Keep learning about cancer, depression and related topics in our blog. If you’re looking for treatment or more information about our cancer care centers, our provider directory is a helpful resource.