how are you feeling?

depressed or...

depressed

test description

This is quite a different emotion from the others in this section and people usually need to get help to get through depression. Some of the things you may feel if you are depressed are:

  • You feel very low in mood and your mood can't be lifted by you or by other people.
  • You find that you can't be bothered or aren't enjoying the things that you normally really like doing.
  • You have feelings of helplessness or hopelessness.
  • You find it difficult to focus or concentrate on things.
  • You feel worse in the morning.
  • You are often close to tears.

It is important to remember that we are all different and you may not have all of these feelings or they may not be quite the same. Depression can also lead to physical feelings as well.

Depression is very common and during our lifetime about 1 in 5 of us will experience it. Coping with cancer can be difficult when you are depressed. People often describe feeling like they have no motivation or energy to fight it. Depression often develops slowly over some time, which can make it difficult for you or your family to know that you are depressed. It is important to remember it is treatable with help.

what can help

  • Tell someone. Although it is often very difficult, it is far better to tell someone as soon as you start feeling depressed. It can bring about overwhelming feelings which we all need help with. Depression is often treated in a combination of ways:
    • Talking therapy - this may be with a psychiatrist or psychotherapist. You can be referred to one either through the hospital or your GP. You will meet up regularly to talk about how you are feeling and to help you find ways of coping.
    • Drug treatment - most people need at least 6 months of treatment with anti-depressants. As with any treatment, they can have side effects and you will be prescribed one that best suits you. Anti-depressants take at least a couple of weeks before they start to work.
  • Have a look in helping yourself for more ideas.

Last reviewed: 13/08/2007