How do I deal with anxiety and depression during Multiple Myeloma treatment

Managing Anxiety and Depression During Multiple Myeloma Treatment

Anxiety and depression are very common experiences for people with multiple myeloma, and the good news is that they're treatable. According to the NCCN Guidelines for Patients: Multiple Myeloma, these emotional challenges should not go untreated—they're an important part of your overall care.

Why This Happens

Multiple myeloma treatment is intense and affects many parts of your life:

• The diagnosis itself can feel overwhelming
• Treatment side effects (fatigue, nausea, changes to your body) can be distressing
• Uncertainty about how well treatment is working creates stress
• The reality that myeloma often returns after remission weighs on many patients

These feelings are normal and valid—not a sign of weakness.

What You Can Do

1. Ask Your Treatment Team for Help

This is the most important step. According to NCCN Guidelines, if you're feeling depressed or anxious, be sure to ask your treatment team for help. Your care team can offer:

• Counseling or therapy with a mental health professional experienced in cancer care
• Medication to help manage anxiety or depression (these can work alongside your cancer treatment)
• Referrals to supportive care specialists or palliative care teams

2. Use Multiple Approaches

NCCN experts recommend that managing anxiety and depression often requires more than one strategy:

Medication & Counseling

• Talk to your doctor about whether antidepressants or anti-anxiety medications might help
• Work with a therapist or counselor who understands cancer-related distress

Exercise

• Physical activity is critical for staying healthy and can significantly reduce anxiety and depression
• Almost every person with myeloma can do some sort of exercise—even gentle movement helps
• Exercise also helps combat cancer-related fatigue

Social Connection

• Making sure you have a connection with other people—family, friends, and acquaintances—is equally important
• Don't isolate yourself, even when treatment is difficult

Support Groups

• Many people with myeloma find support groups very helpful
• Support groups often include people at different stages of treatment—some newly diagnosed, others finished with treatment
• You can find online support groups if your hospital or community doesn't have in-person options

3. Address Related Issues

Sometimes anxiety and depression are connected to other myeloma-related problems:

• If fatigue is making depression worse, treating anemia (low red blood cells) may help
• If pain is increasing anxiety, talk to your team about pain management options
• If you're worried about side effects, understanding what to expect can reduce anxiety

Questions to Ask Your Care Team

• What mental health support services are available to me?
• Should I see a counselor or therapist? Can you recommend someone?
• Are there medications that could help with anxiety or depression?
• Are there support groups for people with myeloma in my area or online?
• How can I stay connected with others during treatment?
• What symptoms should I report right away if my anxiety or depression worsens?

Key Takeaway

According to the NCCN Guidelines for Patients: Multiple Myeloma, many people feel more satisfied, confident, and less anxious when they play an active role in their care—and that includes getting help for emotional challenges. You don't have to manage these feelings alone.

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This information is for educational purposes only. Always consult your healthcare team for personalized medical advice and decisions.