Full Circle Digital Magazine October 2013 | Page 20

H E A LT H • H E A L I N G • J A N E T W I N T E R B O U R N E health Depression and Breast Cancer by Janet Winterbourne A diagnosis of breast cancer is one of the most devastating things a woman can hear. After such shocking news, it is normal to feel a range of emotions from despair to rage. But for some patients, even once the initial confusion and grief has dissipated, a serious mental health issue may develop. The first thing to know is that you are not alone. Research in the UK has found that nearly half of the 236 newly diagnosed breast cancer patients in the study experienced emotional symptoms and distress that were clinically significant. This means that these patients, rather than having a passing case of the blues, suffer more serious symptoms related to depression and low self-esteem, and frequently report feelings of loss of their femininity and attractiveness. Severe emotional distress is the most common mental health issue among breast cancer patients, and was experienced by 41% of the 236 participants in the UK study. It can be difficult to distinguish between what would be considered a normal reaction to a cancer diagnosis, and that of a more severe emotional distress reaction. In both instances however, support in the form of counselling is recommended to help come to terms with, and work with, the diagnosis, in order to minimise the negative effects and to deal with the procedural aspects of treatment and recovery. For some breast cancer patients, depression goes beyond a passing sadness. It is a mental illness in which feelings of despair interfere with your daily life. While someone with clinical depression may not experience every symptom, it is important to seek help if you experience any the following: •  hange in appearance: Sad or listless C expression, unkempt hair or clothing •  eneral unhappiness: Feeling sad or G hopeless most of the time •  egative thoughts: Continuous N feeling of worthlessness to others, hopelessness about the future •  educed activity: No motivation; even R smallest tasks feel like a big effort •  educed concentration: Inability to R focus on simple tasks or conversations •  eople problems: Avoiding others, P lashing out when others try to help •  uilt and low self-esteem: A feeling that G problems are all your fault or that you are not good enough for anyone •  hysical problems: Trouble sleeping, P noticeable weight loss or gain, head or body aches •  uicidal thoughts: Daydreaming about S death, considering suicide Janet Winterbourne is a relationships and family counsellor in private practice South African College of Applied Psychology Diploma in Counselling & Communication, British Association of Counselling & Psychotherapy Member 083 268 6566 • [email protected] • janetwinterbourne.com FOR A FREE SUBSCRIPTION FULL CIRCLE DIGITAL MAGAZINE OCTOBER 2013