Lori Dobson is an integrated health therapist for Sanford Health who often talks with people affected by cancer.
These can be emotional conversations for patients, who are in the process of navigating what can be life-changing circumstances. Feelings of depression and anxiety are common at these times, and can affect family and loved ones in addition to those with the cancer diagnosis.
“It’s not just a job. I find meaning and purpose in this work, having an opportunity to be a small part of the healing process,” said Dobson, who works in oncology and palliative care at Sanford Bemidji Medical Center.
What are the signs of depression and anxiety versus the normal emotions that come with a challenging health issue? What can patients who are going through this do to feel better? What can the people around them do to support their loved one with cancer?
These are all pertinent questions to which Dobson provides helpful – and hopeful – answers.
Signs of depression and anxiety
According to the American Cancer Society, one in four cancer patients lives with a degree of clinical depression.
Symptoms of depression persisting over a two-week period can include:
- Little interest or pleasure in doing things
- Feeling down, depressed or hopeless
- Trouble falling or staying asleep or sleeping too much (can also be related to treatment)
- Poor appetite or overeating
- Feeling bad about yourself
- Trouble concentrating on things like reading or watching television
- Moving or speaking so slowly that other people notice
- Being so fidgety or restless that you move around more than usual
- Thinking about hurting yourself or having thoughts that you would be better off dead
There are several factors that contribute to these symptoms and it’s often not just one thing.
Anxiety can include:
- Feeling nervous, anxious or on edge
- Not being able to stop or control your worries
- Worrying too much about many different things
- Having trouble relaxing
- Being so restless that it’s hard to sit still
- Becoming easily annoyed or irritable
- Feeling afraid, as if something awful might happen
Normal response and emotions
It’s normal to experience a range of emotions.
Feelings of sadness, grief, nervousness and distress are typical responses to cancer, and can come and go through diagnosis, treatment and survivorship.
“It’s common to feel a range as a normal human being as it can prevent suppression, which can actually lead to further problems,” said Dobson.
There may be several adjustments throughout the process. Most people feel some level of anxiety with higher levels of emotion during initial diagnosis and treatment. These can continue through changes or adjustments in the process, as well as after the completion of treatment with fears of recurrence.
Things that can help
If you’re experiencing signs or symptoms of anxiety or depression, there is support available. Dobson encourages patients to reach out to their oncology team.
A few tips to help:
- Journaling/writing to process thoughts and feelings
- Eating a healthy diet
- Trying to exercise
- Relaxation techniques such as deep breathing or mindfulness meditation
- Keeping a normal routine as much as possible
- Engaging in enjoyable activities
“We encourage you to be gentle with yourself and practice self-compassion,” said Dobson. “If you need to rest a little more, that’s OK and often needed. Treat yourself like you would a friend or loved one.”
What caregivers and loved ones can do
Dobson is part of a provider team at Sanford that cares for cancer patients. Likewise, patients have their own “teams” that often include family and loved ones. Caregivers are an essential part of the individuals care team.
“Caregivers vary based on the individual – it might be friends, a spouse or partner, children, siblings or coworkers,” said Dobson. “Because of their familiarity with the patient, caregivers can watch for a change in the person’s ability to function, which often impacts how a person can feel emotionally as well. Sometimes they might just not be feeling well after treatment. If it’s something more, encourage them to talk with their care team who can help address these concerns.”
It’s important to remember that people diagnosed with cancer tend to get a lot of advice from other people. It can be helpful as a loved one to listen to the person who has cancer, hearing how they’re feeling without trying to fix it or give advice, unless they’re asking for it. Instead, chat about what you can do for them or what they need help with. It allows the individual to have a sense of autonomy or control.
Sanford Health offers cancer support services that extend well beyond clinical treatment. Many of these options, in addition to one-to-one counseling, help address the mental health of cancer patients and their caregivers. Services include:
- Educational classes
- Massage therapy
- Support groups
- Patient counseling services
- Caregiver counseling
- Educational resource center
- Meditation classes
- Mentorship
- Lodging assistance
- Palliative and supportive care
- Genetic counseling
- Oncofertility (fertility preservation)
- Cancer survivorship program
- Nutritional services
- Integrated Health – Tai Chi Chih, Reiki and integrative essentials
- Social services and resource support
- Look Good Feel Better
- Chair yoga and exercise classes (offsite)
- Financial counseling
Therapy can help you heal
Cancer doesn’t just affect a person’s body; it can affect their mind. The mind is the motor to the nervous system. It’s why addressing anxiety and depression isn’t just about making you feel better; it’s about helping you heal mentally and physically.
“Therapy is a safe place where you can talk, acknowledge, process and sort through the many thoughts and feelings you may experience. Sometimes finding new insights or just feeling acknowledgment and validation is impactful,” said Dobson.
If you or a loved one is experiencing suicidal thoughts, contact the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988. It provides free confidential support, 24/7, over the phone or through chat. You can also get connected to resources for you or your loved one, discover best practices or get help finding your local crisis center. The service provides interpretation for more than 240 languages. Text chat is only available in the English and Spanish languages.
To get immediate help, you can also go to the emergency department or call 911.
Learn more
- Cancer survivors find healing power in integrative health
- Podcast: How to manage stress after cancer diagnosis
- A daughter shares her dad’s mental health story
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Posted In Behavioral Health, Bemidji, Cancer
