Periodic mood swings and distress are normal for patients and family after a diagnosis of cancer and during treatments. However, these normal reactions may become severe enough for a person to experience symptoms of clinical depression, anxiety disorders such as phobias or panic attacks, or other treatable psycho-logical problems. In fact, some researchers estimate that as many as 25% to almost 50% of cancer patients experience clinically significant distress, such as depression.
Symptoms of depression and anxiety
Sleep disturbances
Appetite changes, weight fluctuation
Little enjoyment of activities that you used to like
Increased thoughts about death, hopelessness, and sometimes thoughts or plans of suicide
Feeling fatigued or having little energy
Being physically slowed down—or the opposite, feeling nervous or restless
Depressed mood or sadness, tearfulness
Feeling alone and isolating yourself from others
Being less able to concentrate or make decisions
Feeling worthless or guilty
Uncontrollable or excessive anxiety or worry
Fear or phobia of a specific situation or event (needles, blood draws, going to hospitals)
Being more irritable or agitated
Engaging in compulsive behaviors (e.g., seeking reassurance by repeatedly asking the same questions)
Feeling muscle tension
Mentally and emotionally re-experiencing past upsetting events
If your loved one feels “down” for more than several consecutive weeks, or if unsettling moods interfere with his or her ability to function in daily life, then contact a doctor or mental health professional to discuss possible ways to get help. If the person has a history of abusing or misusing drugs or alcohol, and/or a psychiatric diagnosis, or even has had episodes of feeling depressed or anxious that have not been formally diagnosed, he or she could be particularly susceptible to depression, anxiety, or the misuse of drugs during the stress of this illness.
Review the list of symptoms for depression and anxiety. This list is not comprehensive, and it is not intended for self-diagnosis. It is intended to educate you about the possible symptoms of depression and anxiety disorders (which can occur simultaneously).
There are many other psychological problems that have different symptoms. Sometimes it is hard to distinguish between the physical side effects of certain treatments or symptoms related to the cancer itself and the symptoms of distress. Therefore, if you or your loved one experiences the symptoms listed or others that are not listed, and these symptoms persist for over two weeks, tell your physician and/or other mental health professionals so that they can accurately diagnose and treat the concern so that you or your loved one can start to feel better. Call 911 if anyone is planning suicide or harm to someone else. A description of different types of mental health professionals is provided.