Breast cancer is one of the most devastating diagnoses a woman can receive. According to the American Cancer Society, 230,000 women are diagnosed with breast cancer annually, and nearly 40,000 women will not survive their battle with cancer.A recent study from the University of Missouri looked at how marital status, children, income level and age affect the likelihood of depression among breast cancer survivors. Researchers found that women who were single or who had children at home were more likely to develop depression in the year after treatment. Women generally receive extensive support while cancer treatment is happening, but life returns to normal for caregivers soon after, even though the patient may still be recovering, physically andmentally. This can lead to feelings of loneliness, isolation, and frustration for the patient.
In addition, researchers found that if the woman was depressed priorto treatment, she was less likely to adhere to medication regimens, potentially complicating the progress of her treatment.
What does this mean for you, as the supportive partner, if your partner has breast cancer?
If your partner is already depressed upon receiving a diagnosis of breast cancer, there are some steps to take:
- Be sure to communicate to all people involved in your partner’s cancer care that she has depression. This is valuable information that may affect the types of treatment she receives, and the support services offered.
- Also, if your partner is on medication for depression, be sure her prescriber knows she is also receiving cancer treatment. The doctor may want to change her meds or give her instructions about what to do if she has nausea or vomiting, which can interfere with absorption and the amount of medication in her bloodstream.
- Watch for signs that your partner’s depression may be worsening, and talk with her about what’s happening. Having breast cancer takes a serious toll on one’s mind and body. Your partner may want to sleep more, not socialize, and have little energy because of her cancer treatment, which is to be expected. But if she is acting that way and it’s not because of treatment, encourage her to reach out to a therapist or a trusted medical doctor for support and resources.
- Use the resources available for mental health through the hospital where your partner is getting treatment. For example, at Duke University Hospital, we have an outstanding mental health program through our cancer center. They have counselors who meet with patients as they get treatment or in between appointments. They run support groups, and offer a variety of services. Be sure to ask your partner’s doctors what is available in your area.
If your partner does not have a history of depression prior to receiving cancer treatment, you still want to be on the lookout for signs that it might be creeping in. Here are some things to consider:
- Learn the signs of depression and be on the lookout for them in your partner.
- If you think your partner might be feeling depressed, talk with her about what’s going on. Validation of how hard the experience of having cancer is can go a long way.
- Offer to help your partner find a mental health provider who can listen and provide support. If your partner’s treatment facility doesn’t have a mental health program for cancer patients, ask the nurses who they recommend in the community. This will not be the first time they have heard this question.
- Remember to take care of yourself, too. Self-care is vitally important for caregivers, and if your partner sees you taking care of yourself, she might be more inspired to care for herself as well.
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