Depression

Depression is a common symptom for many people with cancer.

An initial diagnosis of cancer may incite feelings of anxiety, depression, denial, or despair. Such feelings in the earliest days after diagnosis are called reactionary depression, which is a normal response to a life-changing situation such as cancer. Although these reactions are understandable, if these symptoms persist and you feel sad on most days for more than several weeks, you may have something other than reactionary depression.

Cancer treatments or other medical conditions also can cause depression. Fatigue, sleep disturbances, and weight or appetite changes are common symptoms that occur at the same time as depression.

If you feel sad or depressed during much of the day for several weeks or longer, talk to your healthcare provider about it. He or she can determine the cause and suggest appropriate treatments if needed.