{"id":20685,"date":"2023-07-01T13:56:11","date_gmt":"2023-07-01T18:56:11","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.zocdoc.com\/blog\/?p=20685"},"modified":"2023-08-31T14:19:10","modified_gmt":"2023-08-31T19:19:10","slug":"a-guide-to-supporting-mental-health-in-cancer-patients-and-survivors","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.zocdoc.com\/blog\/guides\/a-guide-to-supporting-mental-health-in-cancer-patients-and-survivors\/","title":{"rendered":"A Guide to Supporting Mental Health in Cancer Patients and Survivors"},"content":{"rendered":"

Cancer is a physical illness. Though it can have a serious impact on the body, it can also affect the mind. According to the American Cancer Society (ACS), <\/span>one in four cancer patients suffers from major or clinical depression<\/span><\/a> after diagnosis or during treatment and recovery.<\/span><\/p>\n

A cancer diagnosis and treatment can bring significant lifestyle changes, make some jobs or hobbies impossible, and lead to fatigue and ongoing uncertainty. These challenges can cause mental health problems, like depression or anxiety. The Mental Health Alliance points out that <\/span>depression symptoms like fatigue and poor appetite are common in cancer patients<\/span><\/a>. Cancer care providers may miss these symptoms, leaving depression untreated.<\/span><\/p>\n

This issue is significant because mental health issues can impact cancer treatment results. A study in the Journal of the American Medicine Association (JAMA) found that <\/span>mental health and substance abuse treatment improved outcomes<\/span><\/a> and odds of early detection in U.S. military veterans with non-small-cell lung cancer.<\/span><\/p>\n

Here is a closer look at the relationship between cancer and mental health.<\/span><\/p>\n

Common mental health challenges for individuals with cancer<\/span><\/h2>\n

The American Cancer Society says that <\/span>three of the most common mental health conditions for people with cancer<\/span><\/a> are depression, anxiety, and distress. Here are the signs and symptoms of these three conditions.<\/span><\/p>\n

Depression<\/span><\/p>\n

It\u2019s normal to feel sad and frightened after a cancer diagnosis. However, persistent sadness, hopelessness, or helplessness could be signs of clinical depression. Loss of appetite, sleeplessness, inability to perform everyday tasks, fatigue, and difficulty making decisions are other possible symptoms. The National Institute of Mental Health says <\/span>clinical depression diagnoses are made when multiple symptoms persist<\/span><\/a> for more than two weeks. In severe cases, depression can cause suicidal thoughts, plans for self-harm, or suicide attempts.<\/span><\/p>\n

Patients who have suffered from clinical depression at some point before a cancer diagnosis are more likely to develop depression after receiving the news or when they experience serious treatment side effects.<\/span><\/p>\n

Anxiety<\/span><\/p>\n

Anxiety is a common mental illness. However, the National Institute of Mental Health says anxiety is more than the normal stress one feels <\/span>when confronted with a life-threatening illness<\/span><\/a>. Symptoms like restlessness, being on edge, an inability to concentrate or complete tasks, and uncontrollable worry can interfere with daily life. Some people with anxiety disorders cease normal daily activities to avoid the anxiety that comes with them.<\/span><\/p>\n

Anxiety can cause stress to the body and may involve physical symptoms like high blood pressure, nausea, and muscle tension.<\/span><\/p>\n

Distress<\/span><\/p>\n

Distress is another common response to difficult life developments like a cancer diagnosis. As with sadness or stress, it becomes a clinical issue when it interferes with everyday activities, work tasks, and family duties. The American Cancer Society points out that <\/span>distress can lead to panic attacks<\/span><\/a>, extreme sadness, or the inability or unwillingness to go through necessary cancer treatments.<\/span><\/p>\n

Distress can also cause angry outbursts, loss of appetite for an extended period, or insomnia.<\/span><\/p>\n

The unique challenges of cancer-related mental health issues<\/span><\/h2>\n

A cancer diagnosis gives rise to stress and uncertainty and requires that the patient cope with significant challenges, including physical side effects and fear. These issues could lead to mental health issues, especially if the person is dealing with other life issues.<\/span><\/p>\n

Here is a look at the unique needs of cancer patients.<\/span><\/p>\n