Very depressed after cancer treatment

Hi @ebenz. I'm sorry you're going through this rough patch. Chemo can definitely cause those feelings. I hope you can reach back out to your doctor and tell them how you're feeling. Maybe there is an antidepressant that can be used to get you feeling better. God bless you 🙌

@ebenz

Welcome to Mayo Connect. Going through cancer treatment is exhausting both physically and mentally. After I went through cancer treatment, I was left feeling what's next? How do I get on with my life? Will it return?

It takes time to get back to what I call a "new normal".

As @talltxlady suggested, do not hesitate to inform your oncologist or primary care provider of your depression. They may recommend antidepressants for short-term or long-term treatment. Talking to a therapist is also a good option.

This Mayo Clinic article discusses Managing your emotions after cancer treatment:
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/cancer/in-depth/cancer-survivor/art-20047129
Have you talked to anyone about your depression?

Hi @ebenz

I am sorry to hear that you are feeling this way and I understand completely. I agree with the others here to talk to your oncology or primary care provider about your feelings. Medication may absolutely help. You might also ask your oncologist if there is a social worker through your hospital/provider that might be able to assist you with resources in the community, including support groups. I found that talking to others as part of the process to be very beneficial for me. There is also a Young Adult cancer survivor support group through this website.

Sending you positive energy and light from Phoenix, AZ. < 3

Leonard Cohen said," I can't trust my inner feelings. Inner feelings come and go."
Depression doesn't always reflect reality. Wait it out. Happy may come around again on the guitar. (Arlo Guthrie).

@ebenz
I have been there- after finishing chemo at age 48 I found myself depressed instead of relieved and happy.
Due to the chemo I had a change in hormone levels.
Ask your doctor if your treatment could cause any change. It doesn’t have to be a big change before the body feels it.
Keep asking questions!

Two years ago I had breast cancer. I chose to have a double mastectomy because I carry the breast cancer gene, which puts me at high risk for my breast cancer to return. I am still struggling with depression over my decision. I do not receive chemotherapy. I received radiation.

Might be good to check your vitamin D level..low D causes depression...

When I saw this story, I finally felt I was not alone.

In 2023, I had breast cancer as a man. I had little to no support, either from coworkers, my parents, siblings, friends. With little help I received, I managed care for myself, thru appointments, chemo treatments and doing whatever I could, with Tamoxifen and its daily side-effects such as menopause. My Mayo oncology team was very supportive but day to day was brutal.
I had cognitive decline, fatigue, drowsiness. I could feel people at work judging, asking why am I working. Rather than support, they wanted me to leave. I changed jobs to find new support.

Best thing I did, per Mayo, find a therapist. There are days I wanted to quit all my meds to feel normal. I have a great therapist that would not allow me to seek anti-depressants or anti-anxiety. We found ways to overcome emotions.

I also learned to rely on myself, vs seek external support. I live alone, do not have anyone to depend on, which can be easier to cope as its only you.

In May 2025, I was interviewed to share my cancer journey with another male breast cancer survivor. We share how we managed emotions, cultural bias (I am Indian), caregiving. The hosts are Paul Kidwell and Charlotte Bayala. Both provider care for their spouses that have terminal illness. 🙁

I cannot share a url but you can search under Apple Podcasts, look for The Cancer Caregiver and look for podcast from May 29.

@malebreastcancer47, I noticed that you wished to post a link to a podcast. You will be able to add URLs to your posts in a few days. There is a brief period where new members can't post links. We do this to deter spammers and keep the community safe. Please allow me to post it for you:

- Everything You Know About Breast Cancer Is Half the Story https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/everything-you-know-about-breast-cancer-is-half-the-story/id1504166813

Thank you for sharing your story. There are several discussions about male breast cancer in the Breast Cancer support group that you may wish to join. Here are a couple:
- Male breast cancer: Anyone other men out there with breast cancer?https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/mens-breast-cancer/
- Men with breast cancer: Your experience wth hormonal therapy?https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/male-breast-cancer/

See more: https://connect.mayoclinic.org/group/breast-cancer/