One of the real consequences of treatment for me was depression. Going through the knot-hole of chemo and radiation was overwhelming. Surviving it really gets depression going.

I've been in the mental health business for 30 years. Depression is NOT just about mood. Depression is: disruption of sleep patterns, disruption of appetite, disruption of libido, disruption of memory and concentration, and disruption of 'normal' mood. Some folks get ALL those symptoms, some only get a few. Everyone seems to think being depressed is about feeling 'blue' and moping around. Not true.

Anti-depressant meds are being used every day to treat appetite, sleep, gastric problems, libido problems and more. Every single person involved with cancer will exhibit some amount of depression - patients and care givers alike. Some will only have a little, some will have a bunch.

Kick out those stupid sterotypes of depression being a weakness. It isn't. Get rid of the attitude that taking anti-depressant meds is a weakness. It isn't. Cast out the ridiculous "macho" crap of "I'm fine!" and "I don't want to talk about it!" There is a great book on male depression by that name: "I don't want to talk about it"

Libido is closely tied to mood, sleep, nutrition and VERY linked to self confidence. The bio-chemistry of testosterone - the hormone that prompts sex drive in both genders - is closely linked to the chemistries associated with depression. Chemo wrecks that chemistry and it takes a while to normalize. And remember: "Life is sexually transmitted!!" Be strong. Tom