← Back
After treatment and remission

When psychological help is needed

Sadness and anxiety after leukaemia are normal, but sometimes these feelings need professional help. This topic explains how to recognise that moment and what kinds of help exist.

Last updated: ~3 min read
Warm light spilling from a door ajar.
Figure 1.Asking for help is opening a door.

01Short answer

Leukaemia and its treatment affect both the body and mental health. Sadness, fear, anger and tiredness are common and usually ease over time. But sometimes these feelings become very strong or long-lasting and make life hard. Signs that professional help may be needed: sadness or emptiness lasting more than two weeks, losing interest in things you used to enjoy, serious changes in sleep and appetite, constant anxiety or panic attacks, hopelessness or guilt, being unable to concentrate, withdrawing from people, “calming down” with alcohol or medicines, avoiding follow-up checks, and thoughts of harming yourself. The last of these needs urgent help. Kinds of help: a psychologist or psycho-oncologist (a psychologist who works with people with cancer), cognitive behavioural therapy, family and couples counselling, support groups and, if needed, a psychiatrist and medicine. Depression and anxiety are illnesses, not weakness — and they respond well to treatment. The first step is to tell your doctor how you feel.

02Simple explanation

Sadness and anxiety are normal, but sometimes help is needed.

The main signal: signs lasting more than two weeks.

Thoughts of self-harm: urgent help.

Help: psychologist, therapy, groups, psychiatrist.

Depression responds well to treatment.

03Scientific explanation

How common: according to the NCI, depression is more common in people with cancer and survivors than in the general population; it is often unrecognised and untreated.

Signs: according to MedlinePlus, the main signs of depression are sadness or loss of interest lasting more than two weeks, changes in sleep, appetite, energy and concentration, and feelings of worthlessness.

Screening: the NCI recommends regular screening of people with cancer for anxiety and depression.

Treatment: the NCI considers psychotherapy, especially cognitive behavioural therapy, and medicine when needed to be effective; often a combination works best.

04What happens in the body?

Ordinary sadness or depression?

Ordinary sadness comes and goes in waves; depression lasts for weeks and affects every part of life.

Weather shapes from sun to cloud.
Figure 2.From ordinary sadness to depression.

Signals to watch for

Sadness and loss of interest for more than two weeks, disturbed sleep and appetite, hopelessness, constant anxiety, withdrawing from people, and “calming down” with alcohol or medicines.

The first step

Tell your doctor or nurse how you feel. They can refer you to a psychologist or psycho-oncologist.

What help is there?

Individual psychotherapy, family and couples counselling, support groups, online programmes and, if needed, a psychiatrist and medicine.

Lanterns around a central light.
Figure 3.A support team is with you.

Children and teenagers

In children, depression may show as irritability, problems at school or losing interest in play. A child psychologist can help.

When to call your doctor

Worrying signs — fever, bleeding, new pain, breathlessness — should be reported to your doctor between visits too. Getting in touch early is always better than waiting.

05The path to help

Steps.

Check — Has it lasted over two weeks?1CheckHas it lasted over two weeks?
Tell — Tell your doctor how you feel.2TellTell your doctor how you feel.
Find — A psychologist or psycho-oncologist.3FindA psychologist or psycho-oncologist.
Continue — Keep going with sessions.4ContinueKeep going with sessions.
First stepHelp has been asked for.
ImprovementFeelings ease.
SupportA team is with you.

06When to ask for help (simplified)

SignHow longWhat to do
Sadness, emptinessMore than two weeksSee your doctor or a psychologist
Loss of interestMore than two weeksSee your doctor or a psychologist
Panic attacksIf they recurPsychologist
“Calming down” with alcohol or medicinesAnySee your doctor
Thoughts of self-harmAnyCall 103/112 at once

* If in doubt, ask for help.

07Key terms

Depression
An illness of lasting sadness and loss of interest.
Anxiety disorder
Persistent and strong fear.
Psycho-oncologist
A psychologist who works with people with cancer.
Psychiatrist
A mental health doctor who can prescribe medicine.
Psychotherapy
Treatment through talking.
Screening questionnaire
A short form to assess mood.

08Key points

  • Feelings are normal, and so is getting help.
  • Remember the two-week rule.
  • Tell your doctor.
  • Look for a psycho-oncologist.
  • Depression can be treated.
  • Get urgent help for thoughts of self-harm.

09Frequently asked questions

Does seeing a psychologist mean I am “crazy”?

No; it is looking after your health.

Are antidepressants addictive?

Most are not; your doctor will explain.

How long does therapy take?

Often a few months; it varies.

Someone close to me is depressed — how can I help?

Listen, do not judge and support them in seeing a doctor.

Does this information replace medical advice?

No. This is general education; only your treating doctor can assess your 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.

  1. Does seeing a psychologist mean I am “crazy”?

  2. Are antidepressants addictive?

  3. How long does therapy take?

  4. Someone close to me is depressed — how can I help?

  5. Does this information replace medical advice?

My questions

12Sources

  1. National Cancer Institute. Depression (PDQ®)
  2. National Cancer Institute. Anxiety and Distress (PDQ®)
  3. MedlinePlus (U.S. National Library of Medicine). Depression
  4. National Cancer Institute. Feelings and Cancer
  5. Cancer Research UK. Coping with cancer emotionally
  6. National Cancer Institute (NCI). Follow-Up Medical Care
  7. National Cancer Institute (NCI). Cancer Survivorship
  8. Cancer.Net (ASCO). Follow-Up Care After Cancer Treatment
  9. Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS). Long-Term and Late Effects of Treatment
  10. National Cancer Institute. Facing Forward: Life After Cancer Treatment
Medical disclaimerThis information is for educational purposes only and does not replace medical advice.
Last updated: ← Back to the list

Open the interactive site →