There are many reasons why people with mesothelioma may develop symptoms of depression as they live with their disease. Caregivers can also struggle with depression. At our March group meeting, we will discuss the symptoms of depression and ways to manage them. www.asbestos.com

1. Depression and Mesothelioma
Dana Nolan MS, LMHC, NCC
Mental Health Counselor

2. What is Depression?
Depression vs. The Blues
Everyone has “The Blues” from time
to time
Depression is a mood disorder that is
more serious and affects one’s ability
to function both physically and
emotionally
(800) 615-2270

3. Criteria for a Diagnosis of Depression
Presence of 5 or more of the following
symptoms daily for at least two weeks:
Feeling sad/depressed most of the
day
No pleasure or interest in normal
activities
Significant weight gain/loss without
trying
Insomnia or hypersomnia most days
Psychomotor agitation or retardation
(800) 615-2270

4. Depression Criteria (con’t)
 Fatigue without exertion
 Feelings of worthlessness or guilt
 Decreased ability to concentrate or
problem solve
 Recurrent thoughts of death or suicide
(800) 615-2270

5. Reasons Why Depression is Common When
Coping With Mesothelioma
As a patient:
New challenges and losses to cope with
Chemo can effect your neurotransmitters
Social isolation
Fear of the unknown
(800) 615-2270

6. Reasons Why Depression is Common When
Coping With Mesothelioma (con’t)
As a caregiver:
Worrying about loved one
Feel overloaded with extra duties
Putting own needs on the back burner to care for
loved one
Hopeless about future
(800) 615-2270

7. Why is it Challenging to Diagnosis
Depression in Mesothelioma Patients?
Look back at the criteria for diagnosis of depression
Sleep changes
Weight changes
Fatigue
Poor concentration
These can all be side effects of treatment or disease
effects of mesothelioma
(800) 615-2270

8. Helpful Hints to Figure it Out
 During treatment for mesothelioma, most
patients and caregivers have good days and
bad days
 It is common to feel down in the dumps
emotionally on days when pain, fatigue or
nausea affects your ability to do things
 However, if you still experience depression
symptoms when you are not tired, in pain,
nauseous (aka your “good” days) then you
may be depressed
(800) 615-2270

9. Treating Depression
Years of clinical research have shown that anti-
depressants and/or cognitive behavioral counseling
provides the fastest and most effective relief from
depression
In many cases, a common symptom of depression
is a sense of hopelessness and withdrawal from
support resources, which leads many people with
depression to NOT admit to their depression or
seek help
(800) 615-2270

10. Counseling
 Variety of counseling theories or “paradigms”
 Best for depression is cognitive behavioral therapy
(CBT)
 Focuses on education about depression
 Increased awareness of symptoms
 Challenging negative thoughts
 Increasing healthy behaviors and coping
CBT is only provided by licensed mental health professionals
(800) 615-2270

11. Anti-Depressants
 Work by altering brain chemistry (neurotransmitters)
that become unbalanced when someone is depressed
 Most common types are SSRI and SNRIs: Effexor,
Lexapro, Paxil, Prozac, Celexa, Zoloft, Wellbutrin,
Luvox, Pristiq
(800) 615-2270

12. Anti-Depressants (con’t)
 Must be taken daily
 Takes up to 4-6 weeks to work
 May need to try more than one to
find what works for you
 Not addictive, but shouldn’t be
stopped abruptly
 Side effects are minor and usually go
away after a week
(800) 615-2270

13. Supporting Someone Who is Depressed
 Encourage them to talk to their doctor and go with
them.
 Express concern (not criticism) about what you see
 Invite them to get out of the house
 Tell them you love them
 Do NOT tell them to “get over it” or “be positive”
(800) 615-2270

14. Conclusions
 It is very common to experience depression while
battling mesothelioma (or any cancer)
 There are many treatment options that can relieve
depressive symptoms
 Encouragement, support and understanding can go
far to help someone you love get help with their
depression
(800) 615-2270

15. Contact Information
1-800-615-2270
(800) 615-2270