Contents:
- Medical Video: Be careful: The First Signs And Symptoms Of Lung Cancer That You Should Not Ignore
- How do you recognize depression in my child?
- How can I help a child with depression?
- Should I join support group or certain community?
Medical Video: Be careful: The First Signs And Symptoms Of Lung Cancer That You Should Not Ignore
In patients with lung cancer, depression is a natural reaction. If your child has lung cancer, he may have depression too. Depression can happen to anyone.
Depression is very common in cancer patients, affecting up to 25% of people diagnosed with this disease. But in lung cancer, the percentage is higher: One recent study found 29% of participants had depression.
The high rate of depression for lung cancer is probably caused by most sufferers are smokers or former smokers. Guilt in children also causes depression in lung cancer.
Another reason is that lung cancer causes more pain than other types of cancer. Pain can contribute to depression.
How do you recognize depression in my child?
Even though your child is alone, you may find it difficult to guess what they are thinking and feeling. Doctors say depression signs include low moods and unhappiness, accompanied by tears or resentment that are not related to something specific. You need to monitor changes in a child's behavior and mood. If your child is usually jovial and suddenly spends time alone, this is a warning sign.
How can I help a child with depression?
There are several ways to deal with depression associated with lung cancer. Antidepressants can be effective, but you need to discuss with your pediatrician before giving treatment to your child, if treatment can interact with treatment for lung cancer treatment.
The best way to deal with problems from the root is to talk to your child, find out what makes him angry and never ignore the problem. You need to try to find a solution to the problem.
Support can come informally through family, friends and closest people. Support groups for people with cancer can also help when fighting depression associated with lung cancer.
If you are not sure how to communicate with your child about the problem, you can use the help of a doctor or psychologist.
Should I join support group or certain community?
Certain! The community is very helpful for people with lung cancer. Support group can help your child and yourself. By joining a support group, there are many things that you and your child can get:
- experience in dealing with lung cancer
- experience in overcoming treatment side effects
- experience in dealing with emotions during treatment
- become part of the community and build new relationships
- become an activist for lung cancer
These things are where the support group for cancer patients can be beneficial. Joining a support group can help patients overcome the effects of cancer and share with people who have similar experiences.
If you are worried that your child has depression during cancer treatment, you can help by being supportive. Your child needs to feel valued and loved. Even though they don't say it, they really appreciate your effort and attention during this difficult time.
