feeling low

I am feeling low or depressed...

When you're ill, there are many reasons why your normal mood may change.

Your cancer may cause you to feel fear, sadness, anxiety or uncertainty. Physical symptoms such as sleeplessness, tiredness or pain may sap you of energy. You may be worried - about your family, your job or your finances, for instance.

Most patients with cancer have times when their mood is low and it becomes harder to enjoy life. The feelings usually pass after a little while, and the mood lifts.

If you're feeling low…

Here are some simple things you can try for yourself, to help you feel better:

• take some gentle, regular exercise and get some fresh air
  
  
• look after yourself and eat as well as you can
  
  
• make time for yourself and give yourself some treats - things you especially enjoy
  
  
• try different ways of recharging your batteries - relaxation exercises or a complementary therapy are helpful for some patients
  
  
• tell your friends and family how you are feeling. Alternatively, you may prefer to talk with someone impartial - this could be your GP, nurse or chaplain, for instance; or the cancer-specific counselling service available through Manx Cancer Help.
  
• think about trying a support group or local organisation - it may bring you the friendship of others who understand what you're going through.
  
  
• tell your doctor if your illness or treatment is causing you problems - for example if you have pain or you feel very tired. Treatment may relieve the problem and make you feel better
  
  
• if you're worried about something in particular - money, for instance - tell your doctor or nurse. They can arrange for another member of your health care team (such as the social worker) to see you. Having some help with your practical problems may make you feel better. Our Macmillan Cancer Information Centre may also be able to offer support.

What if you don't start to feel better?

If your low mood persists, you may be suffering from clinical depression.

Depression is an illness, just as much as cancer is. It is caused by chemical changes in the body, and probably affects about one in four cancer patients at any one time.

Signs that you may be depressed include…

• a low mood that doesn't go away
  
  
• loss of interest in the things or people around you
  
  
• not feeling better, even when you do things you normally enjoy
  
  
• irritability
  
  
• constantly feeling on the point of tears
  
  
• feeling worthless.

If you are really low, please tell your GP, hospital doctor or nurse. If you are depressed there is no need for you to suffer, because you have an illness that can be treated.

Your doctor may give you some antidepressants to help you feel better. Modern drugs can be very successful, although it takes a little while for them to start working.

Your doctor may suggest that you see a counsellor - a person who is trained to help you sort out and cope with your feelings. S/he may refer you to a psychologist, who can help you look at how you might change the way you think and act, so that you can start to feel better. On the Isle of Man we have a cancer specific counselling and psychology service that your doctor can refer you to if appropriate.

Your doctor will talk with you about the possible treatment options and help you find the right one for you.

For more information…

Macmillan Cancer Support
The Macmillan website covers topics associated with how to cope with the emotional effects of cancer. This includes a section specifically on depression. This information is also available in a free booklet from the Macmillan Cancer Information Centre or direct from Macmillan Cancer Support. 

Depression Alliance
This website includes information about depression, symptoms, treatments etc, books, booklets and tapes, and information for carers.

Livestrong - Sadness and depression
The Livestrong website in the USA has information for cancer survivors who experience sadness and depression.

Samaritans
Someone to talk to, available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, by telephone or email. Contact the Isle of Man helpline on 01624 663399, or the UK helpline on 08457 909090.

You may also like to contact our Macmillan Cancer Information Centre, or click here to visit our useful contacts list for information about organisations, both on and off the Isle of Man.