Managing Mental Health
with Pancreatic Cancer

A pancreatic cancer diagnosis affects more than your body—it can impact your emotions, relationships, work, and daily life. Untreated mental health issues like depression, anxiety, or PTSD can reduce quality of life and interfere with treatment.

Craig’s Cause Pancreatic Cancer Society strongly recommends that all patients work with a healthcare team that cares for both physical and emotional needs.

Need support? Contact us: 1-877-212-9582 | info@craigscause.ca

Depression

Depression affects mood, thinking, and daily functioning. Up to 50% of pancreatic cancer patients may experience depression.

Symptoms:

• Persistent sadness or irritability
• Loss of interest or pleasure in activities
• Changes in appetite or weight
• Difficulty sleeping or oversleeping
• Fatigue or low energy
• Restlessness or feeling slowed down
• Feelings of guilt, worthlessness, or helplessness
• Trouble concentrating or making decisions
• Thoughts of death or suicide

Anxiety

Anxiety can cause constant worry, fear, or panic, disrupting daily life and cancer treatment.

Triggers:

• Waiting for test results
• Treatment or side effects
• Cancer spreading (metastasis) or returning (recurrence)
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Symptoms:

• Excessive worry or feeling “on edge”
• Restlessness, irritability, or muscle tension
• Fatigue or difficulty concentrating
• Trouble sleeping

Panic Attack Symptoms:

• Racing heartbeat, sweating, trembling
• Shortness of breath, choking, or chest pain
• Dizziness, nausea, numbness or tingling
• Fear of losing control or dying
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Cancer-Related PTSD

Life-threatening illness can be traumatic, leading to PTSD symptoms in some patients.

Symptoms:

• Intrusive memories or nightmares about cancer or treatment
• Flashbacks or intense distress triggered by reminders
• Avoiding cancer-related thoughts, conversations, or medical care
• Feeling emotionally numb or detached

A strong support system and good relationships with healthcare providers can reduce the risk of PTSD.

Treatment and Support

Depression, anxiety, and PTSD are highly treatable. Most patients respond to therapy, medication, or both.

Effective treatments include:

• Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy (CBT): Reframes thoughts, manages emotions
• Supportive counselling: Talks through challenges with a trained professional
• Medication: Antidepressants or anti-anxiety medications
• EMDR: Effective for PTSD symptoms
• Mindfulness and relaxation: Focus on the present and reduce stress

Healthy Coping Strategies

• Talk openly with family, friends, or your care team
• Join support groups, like our Peer Support Group
• Keep routines for sleep, meals, and gentle activity
• Engage in hobbies or creative activities
• Practice deep breathing, meditation, or visualization
• Keep a journal of thoughts and feelings
• Exercise if approved by your doctor
• Follow proper nutrition and rest guidelines
• Discuss mental health openly with your doctor

Remember: Mental health care is essential, not optional. Supporting your emotional well-being strengthens both the patient and the family.

Support is available:

1-877-212-9582 | info@craigscause.ca

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