Chemotherapy and depression are associated with each other as depression is one of the possible side effects of chemotherapy treatment. Cancer patients are at a high risk of developing depression as the medications commonly prescribed to patients cause certain side effects that can lead to depression.  The common medicines include anticonvulsants, antihistamines, analgesics, antineoplastics, other chemotherapy agents, immunosuppressive agents, anti-inflammatory agents and steroids.

Some of the other side effects of chemotherapy include fatigue, nausea, hair loss etc. As these side effects result in physical changes and as it may also make the patient look dull, pale and tired; seeing these unpleasant changes in the body can make a person feel low and depressed. During chemotherapy the patient may not be able to carry out the daily chores or other activities with the same amount of energy as they used to have before treatment, as chemotherapy exhausts the body. The inability to perform their daily work with the same energy and vigor as before may make certain patients lose confidence and make them feel low and bring in a feeling of sadness.

Signs of Chemotherapy-based Depression

Given below are some of the common symptoms of depression.

• Lack of interest in usual activities and social life including lowered interest in family and friends
• Changes in the mood
• Unable to enjoy life
• Reactions could vary from being agitated to remaining neutral in all situations
• Loss of energy and fatigue
• Change in sleeping patterns. Some may sleep all the time while some may experience insomnia
• Appetite changes leading to either weight gain or weight loss
• Unable to concentrate and make decisions
• Decreased interest in sexual activities
• Feeling dissatisfied
• Negative talking about themselves
• They might also frequently talk about how useless life is and also how to end it

 Tips to manage Depression during Chemotherapy

Given below are some of the tips to manage depression. These could be used to manage post-chemotherapy depression as well as depression during chemotherapy.

• Patients should recognize what is the main cause of depression and what puts them off. One needs to find out the reason behind the  feeling of depression. Check if there is a history of depression in the family.
• Patients should talk to a psychologist or a doctor if they need more help to overcome depression.
• If there is no support from family or friends, patients should talk to other patients affected with the similar condition. This would boost their morale and also help them share the common problems faced during the treatment. It would be very helpful if they join a local support group.
• Psychologist and doctors generally look for the exact cause of depression which could be either because of the medication or pain and stress in their normal life.
• In case the patient experiences any suicidal thoughts one must talk to a near friend about how he/she is feeling and ask for help. One can even go to the doctor’s office to talk. It is not safe to remain alone and lonely all by yourself during such moments.

A few Recommended Suggestions

• Talk to you doctor about how you are feeling. Your depression symptom might be a signal to your doctor that the chemotherapy medications need to be adjusted or changed. Make sure that you make your health care team aware of the symptoms as soon as possible to get immediate relief.

• Do not resort to alcohol to relieve the symptoms of depression. Take the medications as prescribed and follow the treatment plan very strictly.

• Maintain a diary and write about how you are feeling after you begin with the treatment. If symptoms worsen ask for help.

Although chemotherapy and depression are associated with each other, it does not mean that cancer patients should live with depression. Group support to these patients, be it from family, friends or community members is very important. Studies indicate that cancer patients who attended support group sessions were likely to have better health and a sense of being than those who didn’t. Instead of fighting this deadly disease alone, it does help to have people around who can share your feelings.