But fewer people recognize that family members and friends who care for someone with cancer also often experience depression during the illness. Caregiving is stressful. If you become overwhelmed, you won t be able to provide care and support. Eating well, getting enough sleep, taking time out to do things that you enjoy outside of your caring responsibilities, and exercising routinely can help prevent you from becoming seriously depressed yourself. You can get professional help for yourself, too, to help you deal with the feelings and consequences of the illness of your loved one.
Some people hesitate to ask for professional help with depression because they are embarrassed.
Getting assistance from a health professional does not mean you or the person you love is crazy. Being upset during a major illness is normal. So is getting help for these problems. Report your concerns to your medical care providers at The Brain Tumor Center at Duke, or to a local physician who is familiar with brain tumors and their treatments. You can also ask a mental health professional for help.