Think Pinker

One day you wake up to a diagnosis of breast cancer. It’s not surprising that survivors find themselves depressed. After all not only have they came face to face with their own mortality, they’re sick, tired, sore, and when you’re not feeling well physically it makes it that much more difficult to lift your spirits emotionally.

Tamoxifin has a treatment used in breast cancer has been known to cause depression. Add that to the fact that chemotherapy affects your natural hormone balance which in turn affects your mood, and you can see why up to one third of all women diagnosed with breast cancer find themselves fighting depression.

• Signs of depression include:
• Difficulty concentrating or making decisions
• Lack of self worth
• Sleep disturbances such as difficult going to sleep, or oversleeping
• Worrying
• Feelings of sadness and despair
• Contemplating suicide
• Loss of interest in activities that are pleasurable

If you think you might be suffering from depression it’s important to know its okay. You should not be afraid to openly talk about your disease. Sharing negative emotions is therapeutic. If you don’t have anyone to talk to there are many online chat forums with others who are suffering just like you – visit one. You should also be honest with your doctor and ask for help. Don’t be too proud to do ask and if you are already on something and it’s not working then be honest and tell your doctor.

Be gentle with yourself. Take some time for yourself, let tasks slide, and concentrate on getting plenty of rest and doing things that lift your spirits. Most important if you are feeling suicidal seek help immediately.