Mental Health of Cancer Survivors’ Family, Friends, and Caregivers

Both cancer survivors and caregivers may have emotional and mental health concerns before, during, and after treatment ends. The responsibilities of caring for a cancer survivor can cause caregivers to feel depressed, anxious, and stressed. They may also feel lonely if the demands of caring for their loved one leave them little time to spend visiting their other friends and family members. How bad these problems are can depend on the amount of time a caregiver spends caring for the survivor, in addition to or instead of caring for their own needs.

Ways to Stay Healthy

• Ask the survivor’s doctor to provide a caregiver assessment, which describes a caregiving situation. It identifies your problems, needs, resources, and strengths from your perspective and culture. On the basis of the assessment, doctors can recommend community resources, professional services, and state and federal agencies that may help.
• Talk to your health care provider about any emotional or mental health issues you are having, including changes in your stress level or quality of life.
• Talk to a psychologist, social worker, or patient navigator to find appropriate and affordable mental health and social support services.
• Get regular physical activity, which has been linked to lower rates of depression.