The short answer
Depression is different from normal sadness. It is a medical condition marked by ongoing sadness, low energy, and trouble with daily life. About 2 in 10 people with cancer become depressed, and depression can be treated with talk therapy, medicine, or both. If signs last more than 2 weeks, tell your health care team.
Depression is more than normal sadness; it is a treatable medical condition.
About 2 out of every 10 people diagnosed with cancer become depressed.
If signs of depression last more than 2 weeks, talk to your doctor.
Talk therapy, physical activity, and medicine can all help treat depression.
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The full explanation.
Depression is different from normal sadness
Depression is more than feeling down or sad from time to time. It is a medical problem marked by ongoing feelings of sadness, despair, loss of energy, and difficulty dealing with daily life. If you have these feelings most of the day for longer than 2 weeks, it may be a sign of depression.
Other signs of depression include:
- loss of pleasure and interest in activities you used to enjoy
- changes in eating and sleeping habits
- slow physical and mental responses
- feeling restless or jittery
- unexplained tiredness
- feeling worthless, hopeless, or helpless
- feeling a lot of guilt for no reason
- trouble paying attention
- frequent thoughts of death
People diagnosed with cancer may also feel disbelief or denial, worry about the future, or grief. Symptoms are not the same for every person.
How common it is
About 2 out of every 10 people diagnosed with cancer become depressed. The number of men and women affected is about the same. Not everyone reacts to cancer the same way, so some people may not have depression at all, while others may have major depression.
A cancer diagnosis brings many stressful issues, such as facing your mortality, changes in life plans, changes in body image, and worry about money. Cancer-related fatigue, pain, and a weaker physical condition can also raise the risk. But having a personal history of mental health issues or a lack of social support are even more important factors.
Signs can have physical causes too
It is important to know that some signs of depression can be caused by physical problems. Certain medical conditions can lead to depression in people with cancer, such as pain that does not go away with treatment, abnormal levels of certain minerals in the blood, too little vitamin B12 or folate, anemia, thyroid problems, poor sleep, and side effects from certain drugs.
Because of this, it helps to talk about your symptoms with your doctor. Your provider may ask about your feelings, your moods, and how long your symptoms have lasted. They may also do a physical exam or run lab tests to rule out other causes.
Depression can be treated
Help is available, and depression can be treated. The decision to treat depends on how long it has lasted and how much it affects your life. You may have depression that needs treatment if you are not able to do your usual activities, have severe symptoms, or the symptoms do not go away. Treatment may include talk therapy, medicine, or both.
Counseling or talk therapy
Talk therapy helps some people with depression. Your doctor may suggest you see a psychologist or psychiatrist. Most programs are offered in both individual and small-group settings. A therapy program can help you learn:
- coping and problem-solving skills
- relaxation skills and ways to lower stress
- ways to change negative thoughts
- more about cancer and its treatment
Talking with a clergy member may also help some people.
Physical activity
Being physically active may help relieve depression and its symptoms. At least 150 minutes of moderate-to-vigorous exercise per week has been shown to reduce depression in breast cancer survivors. Ask your doctor what level of activity is safe for you.
Medicine
Antidepressants help some people. When you take them, it is important to do so under the care of a doctor. Some antidepressants take 3 to 6 weeks to work. Because you may take several drugs during cancer care, tell your health care team about all your medicines, herbals, and supplements, so they can help prevent unwanted reactions.
A note about safety
Some people with cancer feel hopeless at times and think about suicide. If you feel hopeless, talk with your doctor, because there are ways they can help.
If you or someone you know is thinking about suicide, get help as soon as possible. Dial 911 in an emergency, or call, text, or chat 988 to reach the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. Counselors are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, including for people who are deaf or hard of hearing.
Words to know
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Common questions
▸How is depression different from normal sadness?
Depression is more than feeling down or sad from time to time. It is a medical problem marked by ongoing sadness, loss of energy, and trouble dealing with daily life. If you have these feelings most of the day for longer than 2 weeks, it may be a sign of depression.
▸How common is depression in people with cancer?
About 2 out of every 10 people diagnosed with cancer become depressed. The number of men and women affected is about the same. Not everyone diagnosed with cancer reacts the same way, and some people do not have depression at all.
▸What are some signs of depression to watch for?
Signs include lasting sadness, loss of interest in activities you used to enjoy, changes in eating or sleeping, unexplained tiredness, feeling worthless or hopeless, trouble concentrating, and frequent thoughts of death. If these last more than 2 weeks, talk to your doctor.
▸Can depression during cancer be treated?
Yes. Help is available. The decision to treat depends on how long it has lasted and how much it affects your life. Treatment may include talk therapy, medicine, or both. Being physically active may also help relieve symptoms.
▸Could my symptoms be caused by something other than depression?
Sometimes. Some symptoms of depression can be due to physical problems, and side effects of drugs or the cancer itself can seem like depression. That is why it is important to talk about your symptoms with your doctor, who may do an exam or lab tests.
▸What should I do if I have thoughts of suicide?
Get help right away. Dial 911 in an emergency, or call, text, or chat 988 to reach the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. Counselors are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, including for people who are deaf or hard of hearing.
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