109 EMOTIONAL HEALTH /// CHAPTER 69 Depression It is natural for you to sometimes feel sad and down while you are dealing with the stress of cancer. Besides the obvious downer of having cancer, there are many factors that can contribute: less sleep and exercise than before your diagnosis, treatment and medication side effects, and fewer social interactions and activities. But if a sad feeling goes on for a long time and starts to impact your ability to enjoy the good things in your life, it may now be depression. Some common signs and symptoms of depression are: Mood » Feeling sad, irritable or miserable most of the time. » Feeling guilty and blaming yourself. » Feeling like there is nothing to look forward to. » Unable to feel good or enjoy things that you normally enjoy. » Poor concentration and memory. » Unable to think about much other than cancer or death. » Thinking about not wanting to be alive. Behavior » Crying a lot. » Not having motivation or energy. » Difficulty doing simple things you used to do. » Increased use of drugs or alcohol. » Withdrawing from friends and family. » Lacking confidence in yourself. » Refusing to make plans for the future. Physical » Losing your appetite or overeating. » Sleeping too much or not enough. » Feeling really tired all the time.https://fwaya.org/