They see the world around them as a bleak, foreboding, unforgiving and unchanging, and consider their attitude a normal reaction to their disease. This emotional bleakness does not have to last. By recognizing symptoms of depression, you can take steps to deal with it. Since both cancer and depression have many common symptoms, recognizing a depression can be difficult. For example, symptoms of depression such as weight loss, sleep disturbances, and low energy, also occur in people with cancer who are not depressed.
Accurate diagnosis is critical to developing an effective plan for treatment.
Not everyone who becomes depressed will experience all symptoms at the same time, or with the same intensity. But, in general, if several of these symptoms last for more than two weeks be suspicious. A careful assessment of emotional state, and personal and family histories by a physician or mental health professional can help determine if depression is present. Symptoms of Depression Sadness Guilt Loss of interests Long-lasting crying spells Restless, irritable and discontent Constant tiredness or fatigue Always worrying Changes in eating and sleeping habits and patterns Inability to concentrate or make decisions Thoughts of suicide or death. Some women look at their depression as a continuation of the grieving process that began at the time of diagnosis, or which was triggered by an event that happened months or years ago.