Mental Health and Mesothelioma
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Common Mental Health Conditions Associated With Mesothelioma
According to Epidemiology and Psychiatric Sciences, 35 to 40 percent of cancer patients experience a diagnosable psychiatric disorder, with higher percentages for patients with advanced cancer. Mesothelioma is a rare cancer that is often in an advanced stage at the time of diagnosis.
Depressive Spectrum Disorders
Approximately 25 percent of cancer patients experience major depression. It is normal to feel sadness in response to a mesothelioma diagnosis. However, when these symptoms last at least two weeks and interfere with normal functioning, you may have developed major depression.
Symptoms of major depression include the following, according to the American Cancer Society:
- Pervasive sadness, hopelessness, or emptiness
- Loss of interest in activities previously enjoyed
- Weight changes
- Difficulty sleeping
- Excessive sleeping
- Fatigue
- Guilt
- Feelings of worthlessness or helplessness
- Suicidal thoughts
- Mood swings
- Difficulty concentrating
Side effects from mesothelioma treatment may mimic symptoms of depression. It is important to inform your health care provider if you experience these symptoms.
Anxiety and Stress Disorders
The American Cancer Society defines anxiety as feeling uncomfortable, worried, or scared about a real situation or a situation that might occur. It is normal to feel fear after a mesothelioma diagnosis, including fear about treatment, symptoms, dying, and what may happen to your loved ones.
However, if the following symptoms persist, natural anxiety may have developed into an anxiety disorder, for which treatment is available.
Generalized Anxiety Disorder
Symptoms of generalized anxiety disorder include the following:
- Uncontrolled worry
- Difficulty focusing thoughts
- Difficulty with problem-solving
- Muscle tension
- Trembling
- Restlessness or feeling “on edge”
- Dry mouth
- Short temper
Post-Traumatic Stress
You may experience post-traumatic stress, a condition similar to post-traumatic stress disorder, but not as severe, according to the National Cancer Institute. This can occur as a result of the diagnosis itself or in response to mesothelioma symptoms or treatment side effects.
Being diagnosed with mesothelioma involves multiple stressful events, beginning with receiving the diagnosis. Other stressful events include painful treatment, bad news following diagnostic testing, financial distress, and progression of symptoms.
Symptoms of post-traumatic stress include the following:
- Repeated frightening thoughts
- Distraction
- Overexcitement
- Difficulty sleeping
- Feelings of detachment from self or reality
These symptoms can be triggered by neutral events, such as a smell or sound that reminds you of chemotherapy. You are less likely to develop post-traumatic stress if you have the following:
- Strong social support
- An open relationship with your health care providers
- Knowledge about the type of mesothelioma you have and what to expect during treatment
Adjustment Disorders
Adjustment disorders are characterized by excessive distress. They affect 20 to 25 percent of cancer patients according to Epidemiology and Psychiatric Sciences. Distress is a strong emotional reaction to the multiple stressors associated with cancer. According to the American Cancer Society, distress can include the following emotions:
- Sadness
- Fear
- Anger
- Helplessness
- Hopelessness
- Loss of control
- Crisis of faith
- Panic
A mesothelioma diagnosis may cause you to feel weak, vulnerable, exposed, or unsafe. Some distress is normal. It becomes an adjustment disorder when you experience such symptoms as the following:
- An overwhelming sense of dread
- Sadness to the point of feeling unable to complete treatment
- Inability to cope
- Concentration and memory problems
- Pervasive hopelessness
- Non-stop thoughts about mesothelioma
- Crisis of faith
- Difficulty sleeping
- Feelings of worthlessness
One of the most important defenses against adjustment disorders is a supportive cancer care team that makes you feel safe. Even if you think your feelings are minor, you should feel comfortable expressing them to your health care providers.
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