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Side Effects: Depression

Persistent sadness, anger or anxiety may be a sign of a serious condition.

Occasional feelings of sadness, anger and anxiety are normal for people going through a major challenge like cancer, but sometimes, these feelings just won’t go away.

If you are having trouble coping, don't be afraid to talk to your doctor.

Depression is a serious issue. It can range from persistent emotional numbness and inability to feel joy, to overwhelming negative feelings, to a crippling burden and even life threatening struggle.

Depression can be caused by the physical impact of cancer, treatment and side effects, or by the stress and exhaustion of the fight. It can be caused by the impact prostate cancer has on your life, relationships and sexuality. It can even be caused by changes in your brain chemistry that just happen, and may have nothing to do with cancer.

It is important to check for signs of depression. According to one study, prostate cancer patients may be as much as four times more likely to commit suicide than other men of the same age. Doctors have screening tests to check for depression but don’t always think to use them.

The good news is that even serious depression is treatable. Fighting depression can be tough. You have to keep fighting it, even as depression drains your energy reserves. Fortunately, it can be treated with counseling, medication or both, and even the worst cases usually subside over time.

Counseling can help. Oncology social workers, clinical social workers, psychologists and psychiatrists are available, and some even specialize in helping cancer patients. They can help you address your emotional situation, and help you determine if more treatment is needed.

Sometimes medical treatment is needed. Psychiatrists are medical doctors, and qualified to provide medical treatment for depression. Factors that cause depression can effect the balance of chemicals in your brain. Just as diabetics use insulin to get their blood sugar chemistry back in balance, there are medications available to help put your brain chemistry back in balance too. Regular exercise or regulated sleep patterns can also have a positive impact on your mental health.

You are in the driver’s seat, as you are with your fight against prostate cancer. Your counselors, whether social workers, psychologists or psychiatrists, should listen closely and respect what you have to say, just as you respect their training and experience. Like other specialists, some favor the type of treatment they specialize in.

Only you know what you are experiencing, and only you can tell whether or not a treatment is working. If you feel you need to try a different treatment than the one your counselor is recommending, talk to your counselor about it or get a second opinion.

For more information on dealing with depression:

National Mental Health Association

National Institutes of Mental Health: Depression