Women who have a hysterectomy for ovarian cancer treatment are more likely to develop depression than women who had a hysterectomy for other reasons. In a hysterectomy, a woman’s reproductive organs, including the ovaries and uterus, are surgically removed, leaving her unable to have children. Women who are younger than age 40 are also at an increased risk of depression.
Some common symptoms of depression include:
- Changes in sleep (too much or too little)
- Changes in appetite
- Feeling sad, worthless, hopeless, or helpless
- Acting irritable
- Feeling tired or achy
- Not being able to concentrate or remember
- Inability to enjoy things you once found pleasurable
Eileen Shinn, PhD, an instructor at the University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center in Houston believes,
The best way to treat depression is through a combination of antidepressants and therapy. Most of the time with antidepressants, you have to try at least two or three before you find the right one,
Shinn says. Psychotherapy can help many people manage depression by talking about and changing relationships, thinking, and behavior that may contribute to their depression.
If a patient thinks she is feeling depressed, she should, number one, talk to her oncologist and ask for a referral to a psychologist,
Shinn says.
Number two, if she isn’t on an antidepressant and doesn’t want to be, she should explore counseling options.
According to Shinn, these include talking to a member of the clergy, seeing a counselor or therapist, or finding support from friends or family members. Hannah, for instance, chose to join a local support group and leaned on friends and family to help her handle her depression
“Number three,” adds Shinn, “if the patient is already on an antidepressant, she should talk to her prescriber about increasing her dose or changing her medicine.”
The most important thing to keep in mind is that there are many options to help you deal with depression after a hysterectomy. Remember that you are not alone — don’t be afraid to ask your family doctor or oncologist for help.