Although it is normal for people with cancer to feel sad from time to time, these feelings usually last for only a short while. Sometimes, however, these feelings drag on and can become clinical depression. That can produce a double issue: the depression is not only a problem in itself, it also makes coping with cancer much, much harder.

That’s why it’s important to stop a downward spiral from sadness into depression, and knowing how to spot the warning signs will help. This isn’t always easy because depression can cause some of the same physical symptoms as the cancer and cancer treatment themselves – symptoms such as appetite loss, weight change, and fatigue. Then, too, for a number of reasons, people often go into denial about their own feelings and try to hide them even from themselves. Sometimes they recognize that something is wrong, but fear that it may mean they’re crazy.

The truth, of course, is that having depression does not mean a person is crazy. But you shouldn't let depression go untreated. That can cause greater stress, impair functioning, affect ability to properly follow treatment plans, and generally reduce enjoyment of life.

Depression can be treated with great success using medicines, counseling, a combination of both, and sometimes other specialized treatments. These treatments improve the depression, reduce the suffering, and help the person with cancer have a better quality of life. First, however, you need to recognize the depression and ask for help.

Some of the signs and symptoms of depression:

• You feel sad or "empty" almost every day for most of the day
• Your days bring little or no pleasure
• Family members or friends have made comments about your sadness
• You have trouble making decisions or have problems concentrating that are not caused by medicines or cancer treatment
• You feel angry almost every day for most of the day
• You cry most of the time
• You feel worthless or without hope
• You think about killing yourself
• You have tried to hurt yourself or kill yourself

As mentioned earlier, it isn't unusual to have a couple of these symptoms for a short time after you learn that you have cancer. However, if you have symptoms that last for 2 weeks or longer, or are severe enough to interfere with normal day-to-day life, see a doctor or mental health professional to be checked for depression.

If the last two symptoms exist – if you long to die or think of killing yourself – please see your doctor immediately, as you may be seriously depressed.