the mesothelioma center's march support group - coping with depression and mesothelioma
Post on 19-Jun-2015
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Depression and Mesothelioma
Dana Nolan MS, LMHC, NCCMental Health Counselor
What is Depression?
Depression vs. The Blues
Everyone has “The Blues” from time to time
Depression is a mood disorder that is more serious and affects one’s ability to function both physically and emotionally
(800) 615-2270
Criteria for a Diagnosis of DepressionPresence of 5 or more of the following symptoms daily for at least two weeks: Feeling sad/depressed most of the day No pleasure or interest in normal activities Significant weight gain/loss without trying Insomnia or hypersomnia most days Psychomotor agitation or retardation
(800) 615-2270
Depression Criteria (con’t)
Fatigue without exertion
Feelings of worthlessness or guilt
Decreased ability to concentrate or problem solve
Recurrent thoughts of death or suicide
(800) 615-2270
Reasons Why Depression is Common When Coping With
MesotheliomaAs a patient:
New challenges and losses to cope with Chemo can effect your neurotransmitters Social isolation Fear of the unknown
(800) 615-2270
Reasons Why Depression is Common When Coping With
Mesothelioma (con’t)As a caregiver: Worrying about loved one Feel overloaded with extra duties Putting own needs on the back burner to care for loved one Hopeless about future
(800) 615-2270
Why is it Challenging to Diagnosis Depression in Mesothelioma
Patients?Look back at the criteria for diagnosis of depression
Sleep changes Weight changes Fatigue Poor concentration
These can all be side effects of treatment or disease effects of mesothelioma
(800) 615-2270
Helpful Hints to Figure it Out
During treatment for mesothelioma, most patients and caregivers have good days and bad days
It is common to feel down in the dumps emotionally on days when pain, fatigue or nausea affects your ability to do things
However, if you still experience depression symptoms when you are not tired, in pain, nauseous (aka your “good” days) then you may be depressed
(800) 615-2270
Treating Depression
Years of clinical research have shown that anti-depressants and/or cognitive behavioral counseling provides the fastest and most effective relief from depression
In many cases, a common symptom of depression is a sense of hopelessness and withdrawal from support resources, which leads many people with depression to NOT admit to their depression or seek help
(800) 615-2270
Counseling
Variety of counseling theories or “paradigms” Best for depression is cognitive behavioral therapy
(CBT) Focuses on education about depression Increased awareness of symptoms Challenging negative thoughts Increasing healthy behaviors and coping
CBT is only provided by licensed mental health professionals
(800) 615-2270
Anti-Depressants
Work by altering brain chemistry (neurotransmitters) that become unbalanced when someone is depressed
Most common types are SSRI and SNRIs: Effexor,
Lexapro, Paxil, Prozac, Celexa, Zoloft, Wellbutrin, Luvox, Pristiq
(800) 615-2270
Anti-Depressants (con’t)
Must be taken daily Takes up to 4-6 weeks to work May need to try more than one to
find what works for you Not addictive, but shouldn’t be
stopped abruptly Side effects are minor and usually go
away after a week
(800) 615-2270
Supporting Someone Who is Depressed
Encourage them to talk to their doctor and go with them.
Express concern (not criticism) about what you see Invite them to get out of the house Tell them you love them Do NOT tell them to “get over it” or “be positive”
(800) 615-2270
Conclusions
It is very common to experience depression while battling mesothelioma (or any cancer)
There are many treatment options that can relieve depressive symptoms
Encouragement, support and understanding can go far to help someone you love get help with their depression
(800) 615-2270
Contact Information
1-800-615-2270
(800) 615-2270
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