Avoid alcoholic beverages, as they have a depressive effect. Plan enjoyable activities with other people. Set reasonable and attainable goals. Encourage participation in a support group. Encourage prayer or other spiritual support.
Depression is common.
You should not feel embarrassed to talk about your feelings. Everyone deals with the disease process differently, and a depressed person should not be 'forced' to talk about it if they are not ready to talk. Finding or creating a supportive atmosphere in which you or the person with cancer feels comfortable expressing feelings is an important way to open the door to talking. Finding someone who can just listen without giving advice or making judgments is essential, often times a person just wants and needs their deepest feelings to be heard and accepted. Sometimes they aren't looking for an answer, just a chance to voice their feelings, their fears, their regrets, and their dreams.