How to Cope With Depression During Chemo
Several medications that cancer patients take can cause depression. It's often one of their side effects. Patients may become agitated, tired, lose their sexual desire, feel hopeless, dissatisfied or negative. There are several avenues you can take to cope with depression during chemo.
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Instructions
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Recognize the factors that put you at risk for depression. It may be stressful events in your family or work life, not enough support from loved ones or living with cancer.
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Talk to your doctor about how you're feeling. Your depression can very well be caused by your pain medications. Your doctor may decide to switch your medications or adjust the dosage.
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Ask for an office appointment. Tell them you need to get in to see the doctor as soon as possible.
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Tell someone close to you, such as a family member or friend, how you're feeling. The added support can help you stay safe.
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Lower the risk of depression immediately. For instance, if alcohol tends to make you depressed, stop drinking.
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Follow the treatment plan that your doctor put you on. Take the medications in the same doses he prescribed. Get professional help if your doctor refers you to a counselor.
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Write about how you're feeling in a journal. Once treatment starts, it's a good idea to track your good and bad days so you can see if your symptoms are getting worse or better.
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Tips & Warnings
It usually takes two weeks for depression medications to work to their full potential.
If you're having suicidal thoughts, tell someone immediately. Go to the emergency room or doctor's office for help.
Call your doctor if your depression medication has side effects like nausea, diarrhea, headache or sweating.
