Depression, anxiety & stress

It is common to experience a range of emotions after a breast cancer diagnosis, including stress, sadness and anger. However, some women experience these feelings intensely and for long periods of time. They may find it hard to function each day and may be reluctant to participate in activities they once enjoyed.

If this is happening to you, you may be experiencing depression.

Why am I feeling this way?

When you have breast cancer, there are many changes to your life that may make you feel stressed or anxious and may lead to depression, such as:

  • coming to terms with 'Why me?'
  • dealing with the uncertainty of your cancer and imagining the worst
  • dealing with tiredness, pain and other side effects of treatment
  • dealing with practical arrangements such as family, work and financial adjustments
  • dealing with the response of your partner, children, family and friends to your diagnosis.

Where can I get help?

It's important to remember that depression is an illness. It is treatable and the earlier you seek help, the quicker your recovery is likely to be. If you are feeling anxious, or think you may have depression, you should talk to your GP.

Some GPs have specialist training and can provide psychological treatment. If not, your GP can refer you to a specialist such as a psychologist, social worker, counsellor or psychiatrist.

Tip: Talk to your doctor about whether you are eligible for treatment under a Mental Health Care Plan. This will entitle you to up to 10 Medicare-subsidised appointments with a clinical psychologist, appropriately trained GP, social worker or clinical occupational therapist.

How can I help myself?

There are things you can do if you are feeling anxious, stressed or depressed:

  • spend time with people who make you feel good
  • relax and do things that you enjoy
  • learn to say no -- don't take on activities or tasks that you don't feel up to doing
  • limit your alcohol intake (alcohol acts as a natural depressant)
  • regular exercise, such as walking, has been found to be helpful in preventing and treating mild and moderate depression
  • join our online network, or a face-to-face breast cancer support group, where you can talk to other women whose experiences are similar to yours
  • talk to your doctor if you are worried about how you are feeling.

A common worry

Many women who have had breast cancer treatment worry that their cancer may return. This is a normal reaction to breast cancer, but can be a cause of stress and anxiety for some women. You may find that aches and pains you previously would have thought of as 'normal', now set off alarm bells -- 'Is it cancer coming back?' It is reassuring to know that most women who have treatment for breast cancer will never have breast cancer again.

Nevertheless, if you have any unusual symptoms that don't settle after a few days, you may like to have them checked by your doctor.

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