Mood Changes (Depression and Anxiety)
What causes it: A prostate cancer diagnosis and the subsequent treatments can profoundly affect your mood and emotional well-being. There are two main aspects here: biological and psychological. Biologically, hormone therapy (ADT) can directly influence your mood. Testosterone has mood-stabilizing effects, and when it’s taken away, some men experience increased emotional sensitivity, mood swings, or even clinical depression. It’s not just “in your head” – the chemical changes from treatment can alter neurotransmitters in the brain. Men on ADT have reported feeling more tearful or easily upset than before. You might go from feeling fine to feeling down or irritable without a clear external reason, which can be confusing. Psychologically, dealing with cancer is inherently stressful.
Fear about the future, concerns about mortality, the impact of side effects on your life (loss of sexual function, incontinence, etc.), and changes in roles (like retiring early or being unable to do certain activities) all can lead to feelings of depression or anxiety. It’s normal to feel sadness or worry in this situation – nearly every man with advanced prostate cancer experiences some emotional turmoil. The distinction is when it becomes persistent or severe, it could be a mood disorder triggered by these life events. Additionally, chronic pain or fatigue from cancer can wear down your mental resilience over time. So, mood changes are usually the result of a combination of the hormonal effects of treatment and the emotional strain of cancer.
How it affects daily life: Mood changes can manifest in various ways. You may find yourself feeling down or hopeless for days on end, or losing interest in activities you used to enjoy (classic signs of depression). Things that used to bring you happiness – hobbies, socializing, projects – might not appeal to you anymore. Fatigue and low mood often go hand in hand, each making the other worse. You might also experience anxiety – constant worry about your health, scans, or how your family is coping. This can lead to irritability; little things might annoy you more than before, or you may snap at loved ones. Mood swings on ADT can mean one minute you’re crying at a touching commercial on TV, and the next minute you’re feeling angry for no obvious reason. These emotional rollercoasters can be confusing for you and those around you. You might feel less “manly” or not like your usual self. Low mood and depression can also cause physical symptoms: changes in sleep (insomnia or oversleeping), changes in appetite, and difficulty concentrating. It’s important to recognize these signs. If you find that most days you feel sad or anxious, and it’s affecting your ability to function or enjoy life, that’s an indication you might need some help coping. Untreated depression or severe anxiety can also negatively affect your recovery or willingness to stick with treatments, so addressing mood is part of your overall health.
Ways to manage or reduce it: Start by acknowledging that it’s okay to feel what you’re feeling. You’re facing a lot, and it’s not a sign of weakness to experience depression or anxiety. Communicate with your healthcare team. Let your doctor or nurse know if you have symptoms of depression (like prolonged sadness, loss of interest, or thoughts of death) or problematic anxiety. They may suggest a referral to a counselor, psychologist, or psychiatrist. Counseling, such as talk therapy, can provide a safe space to express fears and learn coping strategies. Therapists can teach techniques for managing stress and negative thoughts. Sometimes just a few sessions can help you feel better equipped to handle emotions.
Support groups are another excellent resource. Speaking with other men who have prostate cancer (either in person or in online communities) can make you feel less alone and provide practical advice for coping. Hearing how others navigated similar feelings can be encouraging. Many men’s partners also benefit from joining support sessions to understand what you’re going through.
Medication: In some cases, antidepressant or anti-anxiety medications can be very helpful, especially if your mood changes are significantly affecting your life. These medications can correct chemical imbalances and are safe to use even while on cancer treatments. For example, an antidepressant might help with both mood and hot flashes (some antidepressants have the side benefit of reducing hot flashes). Discuss this option with your doctor if needed – there should be no stigma in using medicine for depression or anxiety, just as you would use medicine for pain or nausea.
Lifestyle approaches: Regular exercise can boost your mood by releasing endorphins; even light activities like walking or stretching can reduce anxiety and improve sleep. Make time for activities that relax you: listening to music, meditating, or being in nature. Maintain social connections as much as possible – isolation can worsen depression. Even if you don’t feel very sociable, a short phone call with a friend or a family dinner can provide emotional nourishment. Educating yourself about your condition can alleviate some anxiety; when you know what to expect, it’s less scary. At the same time, try to balance how much you dwell on cancer – it shouldn’t occupy your every waking thought. Structure your day with other purposeful activities.
Express your feelings to someone you trust, be it a loved one, a spiritual advisor, or a therapist. Sometimes releasing emotions by talking or writing in a journal can lighten the emotional load. If you have sudden mood swings from ADT, recognizing that the treatment is playing tricks on your emotions can help you and your family not take the swings too personally. It often helps just to say, “I’m feeling very emotional today because of the medication” – it sets the context. In summary, managing mood changes is a vital part of your care. With support – professional and personal – and sometimes medical intervention, depression and anxiety can be treated. You do not have to “just live with it.” Many men find that with time and proper help, they adjust emotionally to the challenges of prostate cancer and find a new balance in life. If you ever have thoughts of harming yourself or feel despair, seek help immediately – there are crisis resources and mental health professionals available. Remember, asking for help is a sign of courage and taking control, not weakness.