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The Mesothelioma Center's March Support Group - Coping with Depression and Mesothelioma

Date post: 19-Jun-2015
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There are many reasons why people with mesothelioma may develop symptoms of depression as they live with their disease. Caregivers can also struggle with depression. At our March group meeting, we will discuss the symptoms of depression and ways to manage them. www.asbestos.com
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Depression and Mesothelioma Dana Nolan MS, LMHC, NCC Mental Health Counselor
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Page 1: The Mesothelioma Center's March Support Group - Coping with Depression and Mesothelioma

Depression and Mesothelioma

Dana Nolan MS, LMHC, NCCMental Health Counselor

Page 2: The Mesothelioma Center's March Support Group - Coping with Depression and Mesothelioma

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

Page 3: The Mesothelioma Center's March Support Group - Coping with Depression and Mesothelioma

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

Page 4: The Mesothelioma Center's March Support Group - Coping with Depression and Mesothelioma

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

Page 5: The Mesothelioma Center's March Support Group - Coping with Depression and Mesothelioma

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

Page 6: The Mesothelioma Center's March Support Group - Coping with Depression and Mesothelioma

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

Page 7: The Mesothelioma Center's March Support Group - Coping with Depression and Mesothelioma

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

Page 8: The Mesothelioma Center's March Support Group - Coping with Depression and Mesothelioma

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

Page 9: The Mesothelioma Center's March Support Group - Coping with Depression and Mesothelioma

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

Page 10: The Mesothelioma Center's March Support Group - Coping with Depression and Mesothelioma

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

Page 11: The Mesothelioma Center's March Support Group - Coping with Depression and Mesothelioma

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

Page 12: The Mesothelioma Center's March Support Group - Coping with Depression and Mesothelioma

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

Page 13: The Mesothelioma Center's March Support Group - Coping with Depression and Mesothelioma

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

Page 14: The Mesothelioma Center's March Support Group - Coping with Depression and Mesothelioma

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


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