How cancer can make you feel
Being depressed is much more intense than feeling down or sad. Feeling sad now and then is part of life, but depression is a much stronger feeling.
Several things can cause depression. Being diagnosed with cancer is enough to trigger an episode of depression in some people.
Symptoms of depression, such as weight loss and tiredness, can be caused by your cancer or by cancer treatment. They are not always reliable signs of depression in people with cancer.
Talking therapies and antidepressants are ways of treating depression. Some people use herbal remedies to help them feel better.
Last reviewed: 23 Mar 2026
Next review due: 23 Mar 2029
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