How do you cope with depression during cancer treatment?

Thank you for sharing your experience and reaching out to connect with others who understand this challenging journey. Depression during cancer treatment is indeed very common, and it's encouraging to hear that you're working with your medical team to address both your physical and mental health needs. Many community members have found that a combination of professional mental health support, peer connections like this community, and maintaining spiritual practices can be particularly helpful during treatment. Your strength in continuing through surgery, radiation, chemo, and now immunotherapy while keeping faith is truly remarkable, and sharing your story here may help others facing similar struggles feel less alone in their own journey.

Thank you very much🦋🙏✝️

Since my diagnosis, I have been fighting the depression that can easily set in… it’s not easy but I try to live a “normal” life in between treatments. I engage in activities and participate in social clubs to keep me busy and focus on other stuff . I notice lately that I’m more tired and am staying home more often. I know that this is not good for me. My dog and I are a therapy team and I am now taking him out to assisted living and rehabilitation facilities to bring smiles to the residents and family members. It helps me too. I’ve been thru 3 cancers and I find that I’m stronger than ever and a fighter. Don’t give in to it. Push yourself and like me you’ll find what works best for you. Don’t hesitate to reach out to me or anyone in this chat. We need to talk and only we know what we are going through.

Hi Carolyn, I have had depression on and off during my life. Presently I’m having a recurrence of Stage 1A and was afraid that I would sink down into a hole of depression. I’ve never had it bad, mild symptoms and usually situational. I spoke with my Psych NP about my fear and she suggested adding a low dose of Wellbutrin to my daily Cymbalta. Now, I haven’t started treatment yet but I feel a bump of positivity. What I have done to manage the depression in the past is journaling, meditation, exercise, yoga, Reiki, acupuncture and massage as well as a very clean diet. That way I am treating my whole body and mind. The meditation has been invaluable while I’m waiting to get started on treatment. Best of luck to you.