Depression, Anxiety and Cancer Treatment“Hey. How are you today?”“I'm fine. How are you?”It’s been more than eight years since Kris Alden was treated for breast cancer. She now volunteers as a “peerpartner,” providing support to others going through the same thing she did.“So, your brain protects you.”“It does.”“So, the further you move from your cancer treatment the less you'll remember it.”Something Kris still remembers is the anxiety she felt.“The anxiety was horrific. I mean, anxiety like I’ve never felt before, because, no, this is just so overwhelming.”Kris, PatientFeeling anxious or depressed is a perfectly normal response to having your life turned upside down by cancer.“We have a term that we use in cancer centers called “cancer distress,” and it’s the emotional upheaval thatcomes with the cancer diagnosis and treatment.”-Dr. Wendy Baer, MD, Psychiatric OncologistAnxiety isn’t just emotional. It can also cause physical symptoms, such as a pounding heart, nausea, diarrhea, a tightfeeling in your throat or chest, trouble concentrating, and a loss of appetite. Many aspects of cancer can causedistress—from treatment side effects to body changes that affect your self-esteem. Leah Davis was upset to see herhair falling out after chemotherapy treatment for leukemia.“I had thick, long hair. It just started shedding. And my heart dropped.”-Leah, PatientLeah found meditation helpful for reducing her anxiety.“It doesn’t mean that you have to sit still and empty your mind. It can be a meditation that’s focused onmindfulness. Trying to stay present in the day. Maybe even present in the moment.”- Dr. Wendy Baer, MD,Psychiatric OncologistKris turned to yoga to ease her mind. Yoga may also relieve treatment side effects like fatigue and nausea, whichcan contribute to anxiety. Other forms of physical activity can help reduce anxiety as well. So, can making sure youget enough sleep, doing things you enjoy and keeping your sense of humor.“I would have friends you know send me jokes of the day. You know I was like, "Guys, I need to laugh my wayPage 1 of 2This program is for informational purposes only. Publisher disclaims all guarantees regarding the accuracy, completeness,or suitability of this video for medical decision making. For all health related issues please contact your healthcare provider.HCON1003098 EN DepressionAnxietyAndCancerTreatment.pdf© The Wellness NetworkDepression, Anxiety and Cancer Treatmentthrough this. Because if I couldn't, I'm going to cry my way through this. And I can't cry my way throughthis.”-Kris, PatientIt’s also helpful to focus on the positive as much as possible and maintain hope.“Hope really does mean that there is something good for me, even a small thing, a joyful thing - a softblanket. A favorite pet, a cat or dog that’s really more of a family member. A beautiful sunset.”- Dr. WendyBaer, MD, Psychiatric OncologistBut there are certain coping methods you want to avoid.“Some people have habits with regards to alcohol as a way to escape. Unfortunately, the alcohol can makeit hard to tolerate treatment, and disrupt your sleep.”- Dr. Wendy Baer, MD, Psychiatric OncologistFor one out of every four people with cancer, the distress becomes so severe that it turns into full-blowndepression. Signs of depression include feeling sad, hopeless, or empty most of the time; losing interest orpleasure in things you once loved; losing or gaining a lot of weight; feeling tired or lacking energy; havingtrouble focusing; and feeling guilty or worthless. Sometimes depression can even lead people with cancer tothink about taking their own lives.“When you have a suicidal thought, or you have a mental health crisis like clinical depression, that’ssomething we can treat. So, it’s so terribly important to speak up to your oncologist, to family, to yourprimary care doctor. Let them know you’re suffering.”- Dr. Wendy Baer, MD, Psychiatric Oncologist“Mine came back opposite, mine came in straight.”Though cancer can be an emotionally grueling experience, Kris shares with others how it can positively changeyour outlook on life leading you to stop and smell the roses.“People don't understand what that means until they've been ill. Stop and smell the roses, it's a real thing. Iget up every day and I am the happiest person anybody has ever met. I'm alive. I'm alive! That's all thatmatters, I'm alive.”-Kris, PatientPage 2 of 2This program is for informational purposes only. Publisher disclaims all guarantees regarding the accuracy, completeness,or suitability of this video for medical decision making. For all health related issues please contact your healthcare provider.HCON1003098 EN DepressionAnxietyAndCancerTreatment.pdf© The Wellness Network
