Psychology, family and everyday life

Emotions during treatment: waves are normal

Treatment is a long road, and emotions come in waves: hope, fear, anger, sadness, tiredness and even joy. Steroids and other medicines also affect mood. This section explains how to accept and manage these waves.

Last updated: 14 October 2026~1 min read

**Figure 1.**Waves of emotion — Emotions during treatment: waves are normal

01Short answer

All feelings are normal; there are no "right" or "wrong" ones. What helps: naming feelings, keeping a journal, talking to someone close, letting yourself cry and noticing small good moments. Steroids can cause irritability, sleeplessness and mood swings; explain this to your family and tell your doctor. Deep sadness, loss of interest or hopelessness lasting more than 2 weeks may be signs of depression, which is treatable, so speak up. Emotions can continue after treatment ends; that is normal too.

02Simple explanation

Feelings are normal.

Name them, write them.

Steroids affect mood.

Over 2 weeks? Tell us.

03Scientific explanation

NCI: emotions change often during treatment; depression and anxiety should be recognised and treated.

NCI: most people facing cancer feel anxiety, sadness or anger; support and treatment improve quality of life.

04What happens in the body?

Steroid mood

Irritability and poor sleep usually ease as the dose comes down.

A blank notebook with a pen and a water bottle on a bed — **Figure 2.**A journal helps put feelings into words

Support groups

Talking with people on a similar path reduces loneliness.

Psycho-oncology

The field of medicine focused on the emotional needs of people with cancer.

Small steps

Breathing, movement, sleep and talking, a little each day.

05Support: four steps

Feel it, name it, share it, get help.

1FeelAllow your feelings.

2NameSay what you feel.

3ShareTalk to someone close.

4Get helpReach out to a specialist.

AttentionListen to yourself.

ConnectionYou are not alone.

SupportA specialist is there.

06Key points at a glance

Topic	In brief
Steroid mood	Irritability and poor sleep usually ease as the dose comes down.
Support groups	Talking with people on a similar path reduces loneliness.
Psycho-oncology	The field of medicine focused on the emotional needs of people with cancer.
Small steps	Breathing, movement, sleep and talking, a little each day.

07Key terms

Depression: Lasting sadness and loss of interest; a treatable condition.
Emotional wave: Feelings taking turns.
Psychologist: A specialist in emotional support.
Distress: Emotional strain linked to illness.

08Key points

Accept feelings.
Talk.
Ask for help.
Feelings are normal.
Ask for support.

09Frequently asked questions

Must I always be positive?

No; pressure to "think positive" is an extra burden.

My child is irritable; what can I do?

Allow for steroid effects; patience and routine help.

Does seeing a psychologist mean I am "crazy"?

No. It is looking after yourself in a hard situation.

10Questions for your doctor

Take these questions to your appointment. The ones you save are collected on the “My questions” page and stay on this device only.

Must I always be positive?
My child is irritable; what can I do?
Does seeing a psychologist mean I am "crazy"?

My questions

12Sources

National Cancer Institute. Feelings and Cancer
National Cancer Institute. Adjusting to Cancer
National Cancer Institute. Support for Caregivers
World Health Organization. Mental health: strengthening our response
National Cancer Institute (NCI). Taking Time: Support for People With Cancer
National Cancer Institute (NCI). Psychological Stress and Cancer
American Cancer Society. What a Cancer Caregiver Does
Macmillan Cancer Support. Support with cancer and anxiety
Macmillan Cancer Support. Work and cancer
American Cancer Society. Physical Activity When You Have Cancer

Medical disclaimerThis information is for educational purposes only and does not replace medical advice.

Last updated: 14 October 2026← Back to the list

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