Living with depression
"I'm sorry but we found cancer!"
When faced with what it really means to be told you have cancer, many experience a whole range of emotions from shock, fear, sadness, anger and more.
For many, these feelings are not serial (one feeling doesn't always follow another). Many suffer multiple feelings at the same time. These feelings are common, both during and after cancer treatment. At times your brain may be so overloaded with negativity that it feels like its on fire and will implode.
It's important to recognize these feelings and get help if you need it. Sometimes, this is harder than you think!
Helping yourself...
Stay connected with friends
Face your
demons
Get expert help and advice
Drink much less booze
Eat well & avoid processed food
Exercise as much as you can
Helping family and friends...
- Don't (repeatedly) tell them to fight-it and stay strong.
- Don't offer medical advice.
- Sit and be with them even if they don't want to talk.
- It is their cancer, respect how they want (it) to be treated.
- Allow them to be negative and express their feelings in whatever way they want.
- Don't remind them of any negative behaviours that may have led to their cancer.
1 in 4 who have late-stage cancer
consider suicide...
Cancer patients are at a significantly higher risk of considering suicide compared to the general population [1]. UK studies have shown that late-stage cancer patients have a 20% increased risk of suicide, especially within the first six months of diagnosis [2]. This risk is even higher for cancers with poorer prognoses, such as pancreatic cancer and lung cancer. A study in the US reveals this number is 26% higher [3] when compared with the general population.
Visit these sites if you need help to understand and overcome depression:
Suicide in not the answer...
Sir Billy Conolly
"There are thousands of people in the local graveyard that would love to have your problem!".
Phil Donahue
"Suicide is a permanent solution to a temporary problem!"