Managing Depression

• A range of feelings that may include sadness, gloom, numbness, emptiness, helplessness, and hopelessness
• Occurs frequently in chronic and terminal illness
• Symptoms are often the same as those of illness

• Fatigue
• Sadness, depressed mood
• Loss of appetite with weight loss
• No interest or pleasure in daily activities
• Withdrawal from family and friends
• Sleep problems
• Feelings of worthlessness, hopelessness, guilt
• Difficulty focusing and thinking
• Thoughts of death or suicide
• Agitation or slowing down

• Any of the symptoms
• A known history of depression
• Any symptoms such as pain, nausea, difficulty breathing
• Change in medications the team may be unaware of

Depression may occur at the end of life. There is a wide range of intensity of depression. The team will help you sort out the causes of depression. They will discuss treatment options with you.

You may:

• Optimize physical status with rest and nutrition
• Set small, realistic, achievable goals
• Utilize relaxation techniques
• Consider complementary therapies such  as  aromatherapy,  art, and music therapy

Your caregiver may:

• Keep you and your area safe
• Let you know that they will be there
• Allow you to express feelings
• Allow you to control as much as possible related to treatment decisions and activities