Depression is a serious mental condition that affects millions of people worldwide. It is critical to understand that depression is not simply a normal reaction to the stress of cancer diagnosis and treatment, but a serious mental condition that requires specific care and treatment.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), it is estimated that, worldwide, 5% of adults suffer from depression, and it is estimated that more than 700,000 people commit suicide each year. Suicide is the fourth leading cause of death in the 15-29 age group. When it comes to cancer patients, rates of depression are even higher, with studies suggesting that a high percentage of people diagnosed with cancer will experience clinical depression at some point during their illness.

Cancer is an emotionally overwhelming experience that can trigger a wide range of emotions, including sadness, fear, anxiety and uncertainty about the future. These emotions are understandable and normal in response to such a serious illness, but when they persist and significantly affect an individual's quality of life and daily functioning, they may indicate the presence of depression.

Let's define Depression

Early Symptoms of Depression

Changes in mood

Persistent sadness is a key symptom of depression. People may feel empty, hopeless or despairing. In my experience with oncology patients, this feeling of hopelessness often arises because of the emotional impact of cancer diagnosis and treatment.

In people without cancer, mood changes may manifest as irritability, apathy or a general feeling of unhappiness.

Loss of interest in activities

Depression can rob people of interest and pleasure in activities they used to enjoy. This can manifest in cancer patients who suddenly lose interest in spending time with loved ones or participating in activities that used to bring them joy.

"People may avoid participating in social or recreational activities, withdrawing from social interactions and losing interest in previous hobbies or passions."

Changes in appetite or weight

Changes in eating habits, such as unexplained weight loss or weight gain, may be signs of depression. In oncology patients, these changes may be related to the side effects of treatment or the emotional stress associated with the disease.

Depression can manifest in similar changes in appetite and weight, with some people losing interest in food and others seeking comfort in food as a way of coping with emotional distress.

Sleeping problems

Depression can cause insomnia, waking up early in the morning or oversleeping as a way to escape reality.

Depression can cause difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep at night. Cancer patients often experience insomnia due to pain, anxiety or medication side effects.

Fatigue or loss of energy

Feeling constantly tired or lacking energy, even after rest, is another common symptom of depression. In the context of cancer, treatment-related fatigue may overlap with depressive symptoms, making it difficult to distinguish between the two.

People with depression may feel constantly tired and lack energy, even after getting enough sleep, making it difficult to perform daily tasks.

Feelings of worthlessness or guilt

People with depression often experience low self-esteem and feelings of worthlessness. In the case of oncology patients, this may manifest as guilt about the burden their illness places on their loved ones or about not being able to fulfill their usual roles.

Difficulty concentrating

Depression can affect a person's ability to concentrate, make decisions or remember information. This can be especially problematic for cancer patients who need to understand medical information and make important decisions about their treatment.

Suicidal thoughts

In the most severe cases of depression, people may experience thoughts of death or suicide. It is crucial to take any mention of suicide seriously and seek professional help immediately.

You may be interested in: Watch video on depression

How to deal with Depression?

1. Comprehensive Evaluation:

Health care professionals, including Oncologic Psychologists, should conduct comprehensive assessments to screen for and address depression in cancer patients. This may include clinical interviews, depression screening questionnaires, and coordination with other members of the health care team.
Multidisciplinary treatment:

Treatment of depression in oncology patients often requires a multidisciplinary approach that may include psychotherapy, medication, emotional support and pain management. It is essential to collaborate closely with other healthcare professionals to provide comprehensive and personalized care.
3. Social Support:

Support from family, friends and support groups can play a crucial role in the management of depression in cancer patients. Fostering social connections and providing supportive resources can help reduce isolation and improve emotional well-being.
4. Education and Empowerment:

Providing educational information about depression and cancer can help patients understand their emotions and feel more empowered to manage their mental health. This may include coping strategies, relaxation techniques and self-care resources.

Recognizing and addressing early symptoms of depression in cancer patients is critical to improving their quality of life and ability to cope with the disease. The intersection between oncology and mental health is complex and crucial to providing comprehensive and compassionate care to those battling cancer and depression.

As an Oncology Psychologist, I am firmly committed to providing holistic support to my patients, recognizing that cancer affects not only the physical body, but also the mind and spirit. By approaching depression from a holistic perspective, we can help patients cope not only with the medical challenges, but also with the emotional challenges that arise during their treatment and recovery journey.

It is essential to work collaboratively with other healthcare professionals, including oncologists, nurses, social workers, and counselors, to provide a multidisciplinary approach to the management of depression in cancer patients.

You may be interested in: Multidisciplinary Approach in the Oncology Patient

In addition, social support plays a critical role in the recovery process. The backing of family, friends and support groups can provide comfort, understanding and emotional strength to patients as they face the challenges of cancer and depression. Fostering meaningful connections and providing supportive resources can make a big difference in the lives of those battling these illnesses.

Finally, education and empowerment are powerful tools in the fight against depression in cancer patients. By providing educational information about depression, its symptoms and treatment options, we can help patients better understand and manage their emotions. Empowering patients to become advocates for their own mental health gives them a sense of control and autonomy in their journey toward healing.

Ultimately, my goal as an Oncology Psychologist is to provide compassionate and effective support to my patients, helping them find hope, strength and emotional well-being as they face the challenges of cancer and depression. By working together as a medical and emotional care team, we can make a significant difference in the lives of those on this difficult journey.