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Managing Other Symptoms |
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 Depression
and Anxiety
"Well, I'm so sick! Isn't it natural to be depressed ?"
 Depression
While it is natural for you to feel sad as you contemplate the end
of your life, this is different from true depression. If you have
no interest in what is going on, see only the bleak side of life,
take no pleasure in things that you usually enjoy, or seem to feel
no emotions at all, then you may be suffering from clinical depression,
which can be treated. It is important for you or your family to talk
to your doctor so that depression can be diagnosed and treated. Treatment
is often effective, even in the last weeks of life. Not only will
you feel better, but your family will feel better knowing you enjoyed
the time you spent with them.
"Some people are depressed, but I'm just so anxious."
Anxiety
Anxiety is more than normal worrying; anxiety is feeling so worried
and fearful that it interferes with any pleasurable time. If you typically
feel anxiety during periods of stress, you may be more likely to feel
anxiety now. The kinds of coping techniques that have helped you in
the past will probably help you now. These may include reassurance,
medications, and channeling your worry into productive endeavors.
Some people have greater anxiety because they feel uninformed, overwhelmed,
or powerless. If you are feeling this way, it is very important that
you tell your doctor and family that you might do better if you had
more information, more help, or a greater feeling of control. Good
communication is probably the most important remedy for anxiety of
this nature. |
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Adapted from The
Handbook for Mortals: Guidance for People Facing Serious Illness,
by Joanne Lynn and Joan Harrold, copyright by Joanne Lynn, used by
permission of Oxford University Press.
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