Symptom Specific Services

Depression
•  Is it normal to experience feelings of depression when diagnosed with cancer?
• How is depression diagnosed?
• What can I do about depression?
• How can Continuum Cancer Centers of New York help me manage my depression?

Is it normal to experience feelings of depression when diagnosed with cancer?
Depression is not simply sadness or a blue mood. Sadness and grief are normal reactions to being diagnosed with cancer. Since sadness is common, it is important to distinguish between “normal” levels of sadness and depression.

When people find out they have cancer, they often have feelings of disbelief, denial or despair. These symptoms and fears usually lessen as they adjust to the diagnosis. A person who cannot adjust to the diagnosis after a long period of time, and who loses interest in usual activities, may be depressed.

Mild symptoms of depression can be distressing and may be helped by learning about your situation and feeling through counseling. However, when symptoms are intense and long lasting, or when they keep returning, more intensive treatment may be needed, including anti-depressant medications.

Signs of depression are:

• Poor sleep with early morning awakening

• Low levels of energy

• Inability to concentrate

• Feelings of hopelessness or helplessness

Since these signs can be symptoms of having cancer without depression, we also look for other signs to help determine the presence of depression, such as:

• Feelings of guilt

• Feelings of worthlessness

• Loss of pleasure in activities

• Lack of motivation (not energy) to do things

• Thoughts of suicide

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How is depression diagnosed?
Medical professionals can evaluate your sad mood or depression by considering the following:

• Your medical history.

• Personal or family history of depression, substance abuse, or suicide.

• Ability to concentrate, remember and process information.

• Physical signs that may be confused with symptoms associated with depression.

• Side effects of treatment and disease.

• Life stresses other than cancer.

• Available support from family, friends, clergy, and other patients.

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What can I do about my depression?
Depressed patients with cancer are usually treated with a combination of counseling and antidepressants. The goal of counseling is to reduce emotional distress and to improve morale, coping ability, self-esteem, and a sense of control and resolution of problems. Talking with a spiritual advisor with special training in pastoral care is also helpful for some people.

Your oncologist may prescribe medications for your depression and may refer you to a social worker, psychologist, chaplain, psychiatrist or physician trained in symptom management or psycho-oncology.

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How can Continuum Cancer Centers of New York help me manage my depression?
The Cancer Supportive Services program is readily available as part of your care. Our Supportive Services program will:

• Provide assessment and assistance with any of the areas that contribute to distress throughout the diagnosis and treatment of your cancer.

• Assist you and your family by answering questions about your illness and treatment.

• Provide you with explanations and reassurance, correct any misunderstandings, and explore how the diagnosis relates to your previous experiences with cancer (if any).

• Assist you with problem solving, help you improve your coping skills, and help you and your family develop additional coping skills.

• Help you maintain continuity of care if the focus of your treatment changes.

• Encourage your participation in a support group as an important part of your recovery. Support groups have been shown to improve mood, encourage the development of coping skills, and improve quality of life.

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