Breast Cancer Awareness and how to cope with depression

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Breast Cancer is a serious illness that affects many women around the world. Serious illness can take a toll on one’s emotional health as well. Studies have estimated that depression is prevalent among women with breast cancer anywhere between 2% to 40%.

Symptoms of Depression:

• persistent sad, anxious, or “empty” mood

• loss of interest or pleasure in activities

• restlessness, irritability, or excessive crying

• feelings of guilt, worthlessness, helplessness, hopelessness, pessimism

• sleeping too much or too little, early-morning awakening appetite and/or weight loss or overeating and weight gain

• decreased energy, fatigue, feeling “slowed down”

• thoughts of death or suicide, or suicide attempts

• difficulty concentrating, remembering, or making decisions

• persistent physical symptoms that do not respond to treatment, such as headaches, digestive disorders and chronic pain.

If you or someone you know is suffering from depression and breast cancer it is consider following options:

• Talk to a therapist

  Having breast cancer forces a woman to deal with fears of what may happen in the future or as a result of the treatment. Talking to a therapist can help with finding positive coping strategies for addressing negative thoughts resulting from depression and adjustment to illness.

• Talk to a psychiatrist

  Consider being evaluated for antidepressant medication. Medication in addition to regular counseling are recognized to be an effective treatment. Medication management options are outlined in the Health and Life Medical blog

• Surround yourself with a strong support system comprised of family and close friends.

• Join support groups

  People have found it helpful to be around other people going through the same situation. There are variety of support groups available for people suffering from breast cancer, as well as families of those suffering from breast cancer.