Anxiety and depression
It is normal to feel worried, sad, or scared with cancer. When these feelings last or get in the way of daily life, they can be treated.
Why it happens
A cancer diagnosis, uncertainty, money worries, and changes in your body and roles can all cause distress. Some medicines, like steroids, and symptoms like pain can affect mood too.
What helps
- Tell your care team how you are feeling. Many centers screen for distress at visits.
- Ask to meet with a social worker, counselor, psychologist, or psychiatrist.
- Join a support group, in person or online.
- Stay connected with people you trust, and let them know how they can help.
- Move your body, get outside, and keep a regular routine when you can.
- Try relaxation, meditation, prayer, or journaling if these feel right for you.
Call your care team right away if you have
- You feel sad, hopeless, or anxious most days for 2 weeks or more.
- You cannot sleep, eat, or do your usual activities because of how you feel.
- You have thoughts of hurting yourself or ending your life. Call or text 988 (Suicide and Crisis Lifeline) or 911 right away.
Questions to ask
- Can I talk to a counselor, social worker, or psychologist here?
- Are there support groups for people with my type of cancer?
- Would medicine for anxiety or depression help me?
Sources
Quick answers
- What is anxiety and depression during cancer treatment?
- It is normal to feel worried, sad, or scared with cancer. When these feelings last or get in the way of daily life, they can be treated.
- Why does anxiety and depression happen?
- A cancer diagnosis, uncertainty, money worries, and changes in your body and roles can all cause distress. Some medicines, like steroids, and symptoms like pain can affect mood too.
- What helps with anxiety and depression?
- Tell your care team how you are feeling. Many centers screen for distress at visits; Ask to meet with a social worker, counselor, psychologist, or psychiatrist; Join a support group, in person or online; Stay connected with people you trust, and let them know how they can help; Move your body, get outside, and keep a regular routine when you can; Try relaxation, meditation, prayer, or journaling if these feel right for you.
- When should I call my care team about anxiety and depression?
- You feel sad, hopeless, or anxious most days for 2 weeks or more; You cannot sleep, eat, or do your usual activities because of how you feel; You have thoughts of hurting yourself or ending your life. Call or text 988 (Suicide and Crisis Lifeline) or 911 right away.
Last updated: 2026-10-27. Medically reviewed by Veli Bakalov, MD, medical oncologist (October 2026). General education from Step by Step, the patient portal of HemeOncBuddy.