Depression and Anxiety after Treatment
"Often, especially with depression, it takes someone from the outside to recognize it, so family and friends are very important."
— Karen Fasciano, PsyD
Understanding Depression and Anxiety
Depression is different from feeling down for a day or two, and anxiety isn't the same as feeling stressed out. They are both real illnesses that cause symptoms in body and mind..
Some of the signs and symptoms of depression include
- sleeping too much or too little
- low energy
- feeling irritable
- mood swings; crying a lot
- not being interested in things you used to enjoy
- having trouble concentrating
- withdrawing from friends and family
- feeling hopeless, guilty, or angry
Some of the emotional signs of anxiety include:
- excessive fear, worry, or dread
- having trouble concentrating
- feeling tense and jumpy
- anticipating the worst
- feeling irritable or restless
- feeling like your mind's gone blank
Anxiety can also cause physical /symptoms, such as: pounding heart, sweating, dizziness, shortness of breath, muscle tension, headaches, fatigue, and insomnia.
What You Can Do
- Seek help if you need it. Don't go it alone. Depression and anxiety are very treatable, and you don't need to live with these issues. If you notice symptoms of depression or anxiety, talk with your doctor or a therapist about potential treatment options.
- Learn more about recognizing the signs of depression and anxiety after cancer treatment.
- Consider a support group. In addition to individual counseling, Dana-Farber offers a number of support groups for cancer survivors and caregivers.