I am almost 8 months out of treatment and passed the one year anniversary of the start of this journey. I had SCC of right tonsil with met to neck - one large node. 2 surgeries and proton rads, feeling well. However, has anyone else experienced depression? I'm concerned that is what I am now battling. Being finished treatment is, at times, more difficult than treatment itself! Thoughts?

I would imagine depression as a fairly common outcome of the diagnosis and treatment. I think quite a few members of the forum have been prescribed anti-depressants. Do you have access to a therapist?

Patrick, my first visit with the surgeon was last Friday. He told me that depression was a common occurrence for folks in our situation. Worse yet, it is associated with poorer long term outcomes (validated by a study). As a consequence I accepted his offer of a prescription for Escitalopram (Lexapro), an SSRI anti-depressant. I can't say if it will help or not because this is only the third day. But I figured why take a chance?

I think it's very common, Patrick and has happened to me. Antidepressants help. Therapy is very useful too. Most hospitals or Cancer Societies have counselling facilities.

After finishing treatment there can be a sort of anti-climax where everything hits you and other people, so concerned about you before, have gone on with their lives. There's also a sense of being on your own after all the constant medical attention during therapy.

What you are feeling is oh so normal so take whatever help you can get:)

Its just another thing to manage. Nausea, constipation, depression, oral thrush, just another thing to manage (and overcome).

I went to a social worker, 2 psychologists and a psychiatrist, all for different things. I was on a cocktail of anti-depressants, but I was never happy with the side effects. I don't regard them as all that harmful, but they were one less thing to manage when I ditched them.

The psych diagnosis was called a "depressive episode". It was related to the difficulties of treatment, the fear and anxiety of the cancer taking over. I don't think depression is automatic but its certainly something to watch out for. Like most things, talk to your doctor and the best counsellors/psychs are the ones who know about cancer. I found the generic ones to be less useful.

What has brought this on now? Has it been a gradual buildup or has there been a trigger recently?

Hi Patrick...well, I was just diagnosed last week with SCC. Don't have alot of experience with that yet. But I have had several episodes of depression which were very bad. I have been on various meds on and off. To me, the side effects weren't worth it.
I then decided to try something new (new for me I mean!). I went for acupuncture and also got the chinese herb tea made up for me. I also try to go for a massage when I can afford it. I also went for a six week, every Tues night meditation class. I have been an RN for 24 years, so this wasn't really my thing. But I will tell you that I haven't felt this calm and at peace EVER. Well, the cancer has thrown a wrench into it of course. But guess what? So far, so good. Haven't really felt a big dark depression coming on yet. For me, mental health comes first. With a depressed mood and outlook, I figure it just takes a bad situation and makes it that much more difficult to deal with. So, I would suggest checking out any local meditation classes. There are usually some inexpensive ways to do it. I took vipisana meditation. Hope this helps. Denise

Thank you for your input and perspective. This little part of struggle has really been unexpected. I have an appointment in the next week to address things. I'm sure I will work through it!

Thank you for sharing your stories.my husband is very depressed and on men's, but it doesn't help. I worry about him so much. But sounds like depression is common. I'll keep doing what I can to help him. He's in touch with a therapist, thank goodness

Raven, I think there are degrees of depression. If the meds don't work he certainly needs to push it with the therapist. I don't know if severe depression is a normal part of this cancer diagnosis/treatment process. There's usually great anxiety and some depression but if the depression is deep and lasting, appropriate measures need to be taken. I have taken anti-depressants for some time but they don't work when things get extreme. That is when you need extra help.

They put me on AD meds and it was a game changer. My wife made the call; I thought I was fine. Soon as I turned the corner I quit taking them.