depression in cancer patients

dbhadra

As some of you know I have been struggling over the last month with depression and am starting an inpatient program at our local hospital tomorrow. A dear friend of mine sent me this link which I pass along to help anyone else struggling

http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/pdq/supportivecare/depression/Patient/page1

Quote from article below that I found especially interesting:

There are many misconceptions about cancer and how people cope with it, such as the following:

All people with cancer are depressed.
Depression in a person with cancer is normal.
Treatment does not help the depression.
Everyone with cancer faces suffering and a painful death.

Sadness and grief are normal reactions to the crises faced during cancer, and will be experienced at times by all people. Because sadness is common, it is important to distinguish between normal levels of sadness and depression. An important part of cancer care is the recognition of depression that needs to be treated. Some people may have more trouble adjusting to the diagnosis of cancer than others may. Major depression is not simply sadness or a blue mood. Major depression affects about 25% of patients and has common symptoms that can be diagnosed and treated.

Blessings,

Laura

Double Whammy

Here's to a successful program
Dear Laura-
I've been wondering how you're doing. I hate that you're having such severe depression, but am happy that you've recognized it and are seeking treatment.

Sending hopes, prayers, and positive thoughts your way.

Suzanne

camul

Laura, blessings back to
Laura, blessings back to you. Proud of you for recognizing that you needed more help. Will send prayers your way for a healthy mind, spirit and body. Those numbers that you quoted are even higher than I thought, but I know that counseling has helped me and my family cope through various stages of this awful journey!

Wishing you the best.
Carol

grams2jc

So glad you are getting help
It takes great strength to know when you need help, I am so glad you are seeking it and hope I could be as brave should the need arise.

Keep us posted.

Hang in there,

Jennifer

robang13

I wish you luck Laura~ I
I wish you luck Laura~ I hope you are feeling more like your old self soon!

Angela

mwallace1325

robang13 said:

I wish you luck Laura~ I
I wish you luck Laura~ I hope you are feeling more like your old self soon!

Angela

Happy that
Happy that you're recognized that what you're experiencing may be more than "normal" depression and are getting the help you so richly deserve after all the crap.

I wonder how much money was needed to do a study to find that cancer patients suffer from depression and fear suffering and death. I'd told em for about the cost of a few co-pays.

marge

pinkkari09

I'm so happy you recognized
I'm so happy you recognized your depression and sought help for it. Depression not only effects ones mind, but your overall health (It wipes you out inside and out) and when your faced with cancer to battle as well, you need all the strength you can get. I'm so happy you're getting treatment for your depression so you can use your strength to battle on. Big Hugs,
Kari

pinkkari09

I'm so happy you recognized
I'm so happy you recognized your depression and sought help for it. Depression not only effects ones mind, but your overall health (It wipes you out inside and out) and when your faced with cancer to battle as well, you need all the strength you can get. I'm so happy you're getting treatment for your depression so you can use your strength to battle on. Big Hugs,
Kari

Gabe N Abby Mom

Laura,
I think you are doing
Laura,

I think you are doing the right thing. It is so important right now to take care of yourself and to put yourself first. Major kudos to you for taking this step, I know it was a difficult decision for you. Please continue to let us know how you're doing as you are in my thoughts.

Hugs,

Linda

smalldoggroomer

I am so very proud of you.
I am so very proud of you. It takes a very strong lady to know when she needs help and then has the courage to get it for themselves. You are a inspiration to me. I hate that you are feeling so bad. But you are on the right tract and will be feeling better very soon. Please let us know how you are doing. We will be here. Take care darlin Kay

Ritzy

Double Whammy said:

Here's to a successful program
Dear Laura-
I've been wondering how you're doing. I hate that you're having such severe depression, but am happy that you've recognized it and are seeking treatment.

Sending hopes, prayers, and positive thoughts your way.

Suzanne

So glad to know that you are
So glad to know that you are getting help Laura. Having bc is so hard, so very hard and it can take a toll on us, not only physically, but, mentally.

Lots of hugs and positive thoughts,


Sue

skipper54

smalldoggroomer said:

I am so very proud of you.
I am so very proud of you. It takes a very strong lady to know when she needs help and then has the courage to get it for themselves. You are a inspiration to me. I hate that you are feeling so bad. But you are on the right tract and will be feeling better very soon. Please let us know how you are doing. We will be here. Take care darlin Kay

It takes a great deal of strength to do what you're doing
and we're all proud of you and thankful that you're taking this step. Prayers go with you! Hope to hear from you soon that you're doing better!