Support

Family Issues

The emotional adjustment to news of cancer in the family can be very difficult. It has been said that cancer can be just as emotionally hard as physically difficult. Feelings of anger, confusion, loneliness, fear, and even a sense of unreality are all normal. This is perfectly healthy and normal. Some things to watch out for include:

• Emotions preventing you from eating.
• Emotions keeping you from getting the medical care you need.
• Hiding unpleasant emotion around everyone.

These darker emotions are not a problem. They could be a signal from your body, or a signal of an emotional problem. If you are having these feelings don't be afraid to discuss this with your doctor. He is there to help with the problem, let him know, he can offer options for your coping. You may be dealing with depression which is treatable. Depression could impair your chances during treatment, or prevent you from getting good exercise and maintaining a healthy diet, during this crucial time.

When you doctor diagnoses you with depression he will discuss treatment options. An alternative medication you are already taking may be the key, however in many cases prescription for depression itself can be the solution. Some patients may feel a sudden relief of their depression quickly after starting medication, but often it takes a longer amount of time for the medication to kick in. There is new information and treatments available to us every year as we learn more about depression.