As you live with breast cancer, you may express sadness, fear, anger and confusion, along with many other emotions. These responses are normal. Some people find support groups or talking to a counselor or therapist helpful in coping with these emotions.
For some, however, dealing with breast cancer can lead to serious depression and severe emotional distress. If the following symptoms last longer than two weeks, they are signs of clinical depression [33,34]:
- An inability to find joy in activities that used to bring pleasure
- A constant sad mood on most days
- A loss of interest in work or hobbies
- Poor concentration
Prolonged insomnia (inability to sleep)
- Feeling tired
- Change in eating habits
- Withdrawal from friends and family
- Feelings of hopelessness, worthlessness or guilt
- Increasing thoughts of death or a desire to die
If you have these symptoms for more than two weeks, it's important to talk to a health care provider or see a therapist. Depression needs to be treated, just like the breast cancer itself. Short-term antidepressant therapy may be helpful if you are going through a difficult period. Be sure to talk to your provider before taking any medications for depression as some can interfere with breast cancer treatments.
Updated 09/17/09
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