How Cancer Patients Can Manage Depression and Anxiety

How Cancer Patients Can Manage Depression and Anxiety

cancer care

10/21/2021

The anxiety surrounding a cancer diagnosis often affects many aspects of patients’ lives. This may lead to difficulty performing day-to-day tasks, constant worrying, and an increase in stress. This can have a drastic effect on the patient’s mental health and overall well-being. Unfortunately, depression in cancer patients is considered to be three times higher compared to the general population, and it impacts patients’ quality of life, treatment, and recovery.

However, if you or a loved one has been diagnosed with cancer, remember that anxiety and depression in cancer patients can be managed with lifestyle modifications and counseling. This article discusses the symptoms and treatment of depression in cancer patients.

When Do Cancer Patients Have Anxiety and Depression?

Patients may feel symptoms of depression or anxiety during moments such as:

  • Cancer screenings
  • Waiting for results
  • Learning that they have cancer
  • Cancer treatment
  • Worrying that cancer will come back

Consequences of anxiety and distress are:

  • Sleeplessness
  • Abnormal pain or more pain than usual
  • Nausea and vomiting before every treatment session

Cancer Patients Have Different Levels of Stress

The stress levels in cancer patients range from adjusting to living with cancer to having a severe mental health disorder, such as depression.

If you are a cancer patient, then you might experience the following types of distress levels:

  • Normal Adjustment

    In this stage, you can make simple lifestyle modifications to manage your stressful situation, such as receiving a cancer diagnosis and its associated distress and emotional problems.

  • Psychological and Social Distress

    You may have some difficulties in making lifestyle changes to cope with cancer. Patients in this situation may have distress levels ranging from manageable stress and sadness to feelings that impact their quality of life, such as spiritual crisis, depression, and fear. Professional help may be needed to learn better coping mechanisms.

  • Adjustment Disorder

    You may not be able to or be struggling greatly to make lifestyle modifications. Patients may experience symptoms such as anxiety, depression, or emotional/social behavior problems, which affect their quality of life. You might need or consider medication and professional help to control these symptoms.

  • Anxiety Disorder

    Anxiety disorders can cause symptoms, such as fear and extreme worry for consistent and extended periods of time. These symptoms, upon worsening, can significantly affect your ability to live a normal life.

Cancer patients may experience different types of anxiety disorders, including:

  • Panic disorder (causes sudden nervousness)
  • Generalized anxiety disorder
  • Obsessive-compulsive disorder
  • Social anxiety disorder (the fear of any social situations)
  • Post-traumatic stress disorder
  • Agoraphobia (the fear of open places or places where getting help is difficult)
  • Specific phobia (the fear of a specific situation or object)

Risk Factors for High Levels of Distress in Cancer Patients

Almost 50% of cancer patients report going through a significant degree of distress. Patients with lung, pancreatic, and brain cancers might be more prone to reporting distress symptoms. However, many cancer patients can face anxiety and distress. Factors that make patients more vulnerable to anxiety and distress include:

  • Trouble doing the activities of daily living (ADL)
  • Problems at home/work
  • Unmet spiritual and social needs
  • Physical problems
  • Side effects of cancer treatment, including pain, fatigue, and nausea
  • Depression and cancer-related post-traumatic stress

How Will Patients Cope with Cancer?

Each patient will cope in different ways depending on their personality traits. However, you can find it easier to manage cancer by:

  • Performing your routine tasks
  • Doing activities that you enjoy
  • Coping with stress and remembering that it is normal to feel frustrated or sad
  • Talking about the feelings and fears that you or your family members have
  • Light walking or a regular workout routine can help reduce anxiety
  • Meditation, prayer, yoga, or other types of spiritual support and mindful activities

If you are having trouble managing cancer, you can seek help from:

  • Social workers
  • Mental healthcare professionals, like, psychologists and psychiatrists
  • Religious counselors
  • Support groups
  • Palliative care specialists

Cancer Patients Need Different Coping Skills at Different Points of Time

  • Cancer Diagnosis

    It is normal to feel anxious or stressed upon receiving a cancer diagnosis. Therefore, professional help can be sought and is recommended to manage depression, fatigue, and trouble sleeping.

  • Cancer Treatment

    Patients may feel stressed because of treatment side effects. Finding methods to manage cancer-related problems like feeling exhausted, changes in work schedule, etc., can help.

  • Remission After Treatment

    Patients may be concerned about changes in their health and personal life post-treatment. They may also be distressed before follow-up medical visits, as they might fear that there’s a chance of cancer recurrence.

  • Cancer Recurrence

    Cancer that recurs after treatment may cause increased distress and feelings of hopelessness as well as bring the return of symptoms. Earlier diagnosis and receiving support from friends and family can help cancer patients manage their condition and improve their quality of life.

If you have been diagnosed with cancer or are showing symptoms of anxiety and depression during your treatment process, you should seek medical help from your doctor to manage and mitigate the condition. Contact Chesapeake Oncology Hematology Associates today for cancer diagnosis and treatment or if you have any questions concerning managing cancer and depression.

This is the first in our series of blogs where we are advising cancer patients on coping with depression and anxiety. Our next blog will provide information to patients on tackling Psychological and Social Distress.

References:

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COHA

COHA is a leading group of oncologists that offer oncology services within Anne Arundel County, Howard County, and Queen Anne’s County, Maryland. We remain committed to bringing the best oncology and hematology services to the residents of this area. Our knowledge, skills, and experience will guide you toward the best treatment options for your health and lifestyle. We offer today’s most effective therapies, expertly and compassionately delivered in our infusion and medical centers.


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