Mental Health

Mind & Body | GIST in Your World (Relationships) | GIST at Different Stages of Life | End of Life

Sadness is a normal reaction... A diagnosis of GIST does not mean that your life is over. But it is still a factor that can weigh heavily on your mental health. Depression, fear and anxiety are common when coping with cancer. Dealing with these feelings is natural as long as you deal with it. Because so much of your focus is on treating and curing your cancer, you may not notice signs that your depression or anxiety runs deeper than you thought.

Are you clinically depressed? Do you have clinical depression?

Depression occurs more frequently in people living with cancer. As much as 15% to 25% of cancer survivors will experience depression at some point in their illness.

If your depression...

...seems to last for more than two weeks and the feelings have not lessened

...involves an overwhelming feeling that you are worthless or hopelessness

...causes you to be uninterested in previously enjoyable activities and/or unable to concentrate

...has caused your eating and sleeping habits to change

...you may be clinically depressed

Although you may be clinically depressed you may not �feel� like you are, that is, your mood has not changed much or you felt depressed but that feeling has lessened. This is not uncommon.

These are some symptoms of clinical depression that are not mood-related.

Loss of concentration

Loss of memory

Fatigue
Decreased sex drive
Social withdrawal

In some cases, you may think that you’re depression is actually more complicated than it is; try talking with friends, family or a support group like the LRG. Milder forms of depression usually respond well to this kind of outside assistance.

Remember that clinical depression is treatable. Once you have acknowledged that this might not be just a bad day or week, you may need to speak to a medical professional about counseling and/or treatments.

Depression may also be hereditary. A cancer diagnosis might simply be the trigger that awakens these dormant feelings.

Do you suffer from acute or chronic anxiety? Do you have clinical depression?

Like depression, anxiety is common in people living with cancer. However, if it crosses the threshold from mild to severe, you may be suffering from acute (short episodes that end quickly) or chronic (remains longer) anxiety.

These are some symptoms of acute anxiety:

Heart palpitations
High blood pressure
Chest pains
Shortness of breath
Feeling of suffocation
Sweats/chills
Dizziness or lightheadedness
Trembling
Nausea and/or diarrhea
Change in appetite
Heartburn
Abdominal pain
Fear

Though you may feel some or most of the above list, below are a few symptoms of chronic anxiety:

Over-worrying
Restlessness
Muscle tension
Insomnia
Irritability
Fatigue
Lack of concentration
Problems with decision-making

There are many different ways to manage anxiety. Here are a few things to try.

Identify the cause
This may actually help overcome the anxiety. By locating the root of the problem, you can possibly eliminate the “fear of the unknown” weight bearing down on you. When you unmask the monster in the closet, you can finally face him.

Talk to a medical professional
You may need to take medications like Xanax or Zoloft. This should be discussed in detail with your doctor. Carefully consider other medications you may be taking for GIST or GIST symptoms before choosing this route. Your doctor may also recommend counseling. There are a growing number of psychotherapists that specialize in cancer survivors. Your oncologist may have worked with one or more in the past that s/he he can refer to you.

Seriously think about a support group
The LRG runs a secure (confidential) listserv or email community for patients and caregivers. This is a great place to express your anxiety. It is a place where you can talk to people in a very similar situation to yours. The LRG also has local groups all over the world that meet face-to-face, check in your region to find a local group coordinator. Organizations like CancerCare and the American Cancer Society are also good places to look for support groups.

Try some relaxation techniques
There are various relaxation techniques that can be used. In most cases, these ideas are not going to cause you any harm, but they might benefit you.

Breathing exercises. When you are anxious, you might be breathing in a quick, shallow manner. This can cause hyperventilation and also prevent adequate oxygen from reaching your organs. Holistic online describes in detail how to conduct proper deep breathing exercises. These exercises are good ways to calm yourself down and quiet some of the “noises” in your head. Below is an example of one breathing exercise they suggest.
Muscle relaxation. According to HealthyPlace.com, "People who live with high levels of anxiety often do not know how to relax or to release the tension stored in their muscles that is contributing to the experience of anxiety."
Guided imagery. Holistic online contends that, "When we worry, what we worry about exists only in our imaginations." In this technique, participants visualize a goal they want to achieve and imagine going through the process of achieving it. They suggest trying to "visualize" two to three times a day. It is easiest to do it right in the morning or before going to bed in the beginning.
Meditation/Yoga. A University of Wisconsin, Madison study reported that meditation has clear effects in areas of the brain focused on emotion and strengthens a person’s ability to ward off illness. HealthyPlace.com, Your Meditation Home and other sites have techniques that may prove helpful. Life Positive has many different yoga techniques to get you started in that area.
Biofeedback. This technique uses your mind to control your body. A biofeedback specialist will try to teach you to control certain involuntary body responses, such as muscle tension and heart rate. If you feel that medications are not helping your anxiety, this may be a good option for you. The Mayo Clinic has helpful information on types of biofeedback, what happens in biofeedback sessions, pros and cons and finding a biofeedback therapist.

Do not fall into stereotypes if you feel yourself exhibiting any of the symptoms listed above. Many people believe depression in a person living with cancer is normal. While it is normal to feel these emotions, clinical depression is not a side effect of having cancer. Do not believe that you have to accept your depression as a part of having cancer. You can overcome these feelings.