Low mood and depression after a breast cancer diagnosis

It’s common to experience some low mood and sadness after a diagnosis of breast cancer.

Low mood often improves with time. But if it doesn’t, it may be a sign of depression.

Depression affects people in different ways and can cause a variety of symptoms, including:

• Persistent low mood or sadness
• Feeling hopeless or helpless
• Withdrawing from family and friends
• Persistent thoughts like “I can’t be bothered” or “What’s the point?”
• Feeling tearful, irritable or guilty 
• Loss of motivation and interest in things you used to enjoy
• Difficulty sleeping or sleeping more than usual
• Changes in your appetite, like eating more or less than usual
• Loss of interest in your appearance
• Feeling very low or having suicidal thoughts 

Some people may become depressed because of how breast cancer continues to affect them over time. This can include things like:

• Dealing with the shock of diagnosis
• Ongoing physical effects
• Uncertainty about the future

After treatment ends, these feelings can be made worse by:

• Missing the reassurance of your treatment team seeing you regularly
• People close to you expecting you to carry on with the life you had before breast cancer
• Feeling isolated
• Losing your sense of identity
• Your self-confidence having been affected
• Worries about breast cancer coming back

Find out more about adjusting to life after treatment ends.

Depression is often a natural response to trauma and a way of coping. But as you adjust and process what has happened, your mood should improve.

For some people though, depression can be longer-lasting and may need treatment.

Talk to your treatment team or GP if you or the people close to you are worried you’re showing symptoms of low mood or depression.

Your treatment team or GP can refer you to a counsellor, psychiatrist or psychologist for help and support.

You may find it hard to talk about how you’re feeling, but doing so can help you get the right support or treatment.

Talking therapies

Talking therapies like counselling or cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) can help treat depression. 

Your treatment team or GP may be able to refer you for counselling or CBT.

Antidepressants

Your GP may recommend antidepressant drugs to treat symptoms of depression. 

It usually takes 1 to 2 weeks before you start to feel an improvement in mood, and around 8 weeks to feel the full benefits.

You’ll usually be recommended to take antidepressants for at least 6 months. But your GP will talk to you about how long to take them for.

Organisations that can help

These organisations provide information and support to help you cope with depression:

• Samaritans provides confidential non-judgemental emotional support, 24 hours a day, for people experiencing feelings of distress or despair. You can call them on 116 123 or email jo@samaritans.org
• The NHS website has information about depression as well as information and support for your mental health
• The Mental Health Foundation has information on talking therapies
• Mind produces information and support around mental health

Talking to other people with breast cancer

Talking to someone who has had a similar experience may also help, for example through a local support group. You can search for support groups near you on the Macmillan Cancer Support website. You can also chat to others on our forum.

If you’ve been diagnosed with primary breast cancer, our Someone Like Me service can match you with a trained volunteer who’s had a similar experience to you.

And if you’ve been diagnosed with metastatic (secondary) breast cancer, our secondary breast cancer services can help you connect with others, either in person or online. 

Talking to our breast care nurses

If you’re struggling with stress and anxiety, you can speak to one of our nurses for more support. See the bottom of this page for ways to get in touch.