For people with cancer, depression may arise because of changes in your ability to perform family or work roles, loss of control over life events or changes in body image. And anxiety may form because of fear of death, fear of suffering and pain, or fear of the unknown.

Cancer and Depression

It is normal to grieve over the changes that cancer brings to your life. The future, which seemed so certain before, may feel uncertain. Some dreams and plans may seem permanently lost as a result of the cancer diagnosis. But if you are experiencing long-lasting sadness or are having difficulty carrying out day-to-day activities, you may have clinical depression. In fact, clinical depression occurs in about 25 percent of those with cancer, causing great distress, impaired functioning, and less ability to follow a treatment schedule.

However, there are a number of treatments for clinical depression including medication, counseling, or a combination of both. These therapies can improve your quality of life and reduce your suffering. The key is to recognize the symptoms and get help if you have them.

Symptoms of Clinical Depression 

• Persistent sadness or "empty" mood for most of the day 
• Loss of interest or pleasure in almost all activities
• Significant weight loss or weight gain 
• Lethargy or restlessness and agitation nearly every day, enough for others to notice 
• Fatigue or loss of energy 
• Sleep irregularities – sleeping too much or too little
• Trouble concentrating, remembering, making decisions 
• Feelings of guilt, worthlessness, helplessness 
• Frequent thoughts of death or suicide, suicide plans or attempts

If five or more of these symptoms happen nearly every day for two weeks or longer, or are severe enough to interfere with normal activities, consider seeing a qualified health or mental health professional.

Cancer, Anxiety, and Fear

It is also normal for people with cancer to feel fear and anxiety at many critical times during their treatment and recovery. For most people with cancer, diagnosis and recurrence create the most anxiety and fear. Fear of treatment, pain, doctor visits, tests, dying, what happens after death, and what may happen to loved ones may also produce apprehension. As with depression, the key is to recognize the symptoms and get help if you have them.

Symptoms of Anxiety and Fear 

• Uncontrolled worry 
• Difficulty solving problems
• Difficulty focusing and concentrating     
• Extreme muscle tension
• Trembling or shaking
• Dry mouth 
• Angry outbursts 
• Irritability

If you have these symptoms and they are interfering with your life, consider seeing a qualified health or mental health professional.

Panic Attacks

Panic attacks are also a symptom of anxiety and fear, but they can be so alarming that they warrant this separate mention. Panic attacks happen very suddenly, grow rapidly and peak within about 10 minutes. Hallmarks of panic attacks include:

• Shortness of breath
• Racing heart
• Dizziness, unsteadiness, lightheadedness or faintness
• Chest pain or discomfort
• Feeling of choking
• Trembling or shaking 
• Sweating 
• Feeling of losing control or “going crazy” 
• Urge to escape 
• Numbness or tingling sensations 
• Feeling "unreal" or "detached" from oneself
• Chills or hot flushes

Mild versions of any of the above symptoms may be helped simply by more social interaction. Cancer survivors who have solid social support tend to have less anxiety and depression and a better quality of life. Don’t be afraid to talk about your fears and concerns with close friends and family. And don’t be afraid to ask for help with the practical aspects of daily living.

Feel free to confide in your doctor, too, about medical fears, pains and other issues of this type. Your doctor or cancer care team can answer questions and explain conditions. They can also offer referrals to mental health professionals. 

Emotional Coping Techniques You Can Do On Your Own:

Breathe:

• Get in a comfortable position, sitting or laying down
• Close your eyes or focus them on a distant object
• Breathe in and out slowly through your nose
• Establish a steady rhythm by saying to yourself: “In, one, two; Out one, two”
• Feel yourself relax and go limp each time you exhale
• Continue for just a few seconds or for up to 10 minutes

Tense and Release:

• Lie down in a quiet room
• Take a slow, deep breath in and as you do, tense a specific muscle or muscle group. For example, clench your teeth or stiffen your arms or leg
• Tense for a second or two while holding your breath
• Breathe out, releasing the tension and relaxing your body completely
• Repeat with another muscle or muscle group

Visualize:

• Close your eyes, breathe slowly and feel yourself relax
• Create an inner picture that represents your fight against cancer such as knights in armor capable of battling cancer cells or rockets capable of blasting the cells
• Breathe in and as you do, visualize your cancer fighter going to any part of your body where you feel discomfort, pain or tension
• Breathe out and visualize your “weapon” attacking and eliminating the bad cells
• Continue to visualize in this manner as you breathe in and out