Breast Cancer and Mental Health: Support for Patients and Caregivers on the North Shore

Quick answer: Anxiety, fear and depression are common after a breast cancer diagnosis, and they’re common for the people caring for someone with cancer too. If low mood, constant worry, poor sleep or loss of interest lasts more than two weeks or gets in the way of daily life, a psychiatric evaluation can help. Redi-Med Psychiatry offers same-week appointments, in person in Mandeville, Covington, Slidell, New Orleans and Belle Chasse, plus telehealth. We accept all insurance plans. Call (985) 626-3470.

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Most of the conversation is about screening and treatment, and it should be. But a diagnosis also changes how a person sleeps, thinks, feels and plans for the future. The same is true for spouses, adult children and friends who step into the caregiver role. This guide covers the mental health side of breast cancer: what’s normal, what’s a sign to get more help, and how to find care close to home on Louisiana’s North Shore and in Greater New Orleans.

If you or someone you know is in crisis or thinking about suicide, call or text 988 to reach the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. In a life-threatening emergency, call 911.

Why a Breast Cancer Diagnosis Affects Mental Health

A cancer diagnosis brings a lot of stress at once. The National Cancer Institute lists facing your own mortality, changes in life plans, changes in body image and self-esteem, changes in day-to-day routines, and worry about money as stressors that can raise the risk of depression (NCI: Depression). It also notes that about 2 out of every 10 people diagnosed with cancer become depressed.

Breast cancer in particular can bring surgery, changes to the body, long treatment schedules, and months of scans and follow-up visits. Many people describe the waiting, for results and for the next step, as one of the hardest parts.

Normal Worry vs. Signs You Need More Support

Fear, sadness, anger and grief are normal reactions to hard news. They often come in waves. Depression and anxiety disorders are different: they last, they get heavier, and they start to crowd out daily life. The NCI notes that feelings like ongoing sadness, despair and loss of energy for most of the day for longer than two weeks may be a sign of major depression.

Signs it may be time to talk with a psychiatric provider include:

• Sadness, emptiness or hopelessness that doesn’t lift
• Worry or panic that makes it hard to get through appointments, work or the day
• Trouble sleeping that isn’t explained by treatment side effects alone
• Losing interest in people or activities you used to enjoy
• Feeling worthless, guilty or like a burden to your family
• Trouble focusing or making decisions about care
• Pulling away from friends, church or other support
• Thoughts of death or suicide (call or text 988 right away)

Caregivers Need Care Too

Caregivers drive to appointments, manage schedules, handle insurance calls, keep the household running, and often hold it together for everyone else. The National Cancer Institute explains that when the demands of caregiving are greater than a person’s resources, it can lead to anxiety, depression and a lower quality of life (NCI: Family Caregivers). Working caregivers and older caregivers can be especially stretched.

Taking care of your own mental health isn’t selfish. It’s part of being able to keep showing up for the person you love.

Practical Ways to Cope Day to Day

• Tell your cancer care team how you’re feeling. Mood and sleep are part of your health, not a side topic.
• Keep a simple routine. Regular meals, light movement when your team says it’s okay, and a steady bedtime help.
• Limit late-night searching. Write questions down and bring them to your next visit instead.
• Let people help. Hand off meals, rides or school pickup to friends, family or your church.
• Join a support group. Hospitals and cancer centers across the New Orleans area often host groups for patients and caregivers.
• Get professional help early. You don’t have to wait until things feel unbearable.

How Psychiatric Care Can Help

Living with a serious illness and living with depression or anxiety often affect each other. The National Institute of Mental Health notes that treating depression can help improve overall health for people with chronic illnesses (NIMH: Chronic Illness and Mental Health).

A psychiatric provider can:

• Do a full evaluation to sort out depression, anxiety, sleep problems and stress
• Build a treatment plan that fits around your cancer care schedule
• Coordinate with your oncology team and primary care provider, with your permission
• Manage medication when it’s appropriate, with attention to your other treatments
• Connect you with therapy and support resources

Everyone responds differently, so your plan is built around you and adjusted over time.

Mental Health Care Close to Home with Redi-Med Psychiatry

When you’re already juggling treatment, the last thing you need is a long wait or a long drive. Redi-Med Psychiatry is an outpatient psychiatry practice serving the North Shore and Greater New Orleans:

• Main office: 4430 Hwy 22, Mandeville, LA 70471
• Additional locations: Covington, Slidell, New Orleans and Belle Chasse
• Also serving: Hammond, Metairie and surrounding communities
• Same-week appointments for new patients
• Telehealth visits from home, helpful on treatment days or when you’re worn out
• All insurance plans accepted
• Phone: (985) 626-3470

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it normal to feel anxious or depressed after a breast cancer diagnosis?

Yes. Fear, sadness and worry are common reactions. If they last more than two weeks or make daily life hard, talk with your care team or a psychiatric provider.

Can caregivers get help for their own stress, anxiety or depression?

Yes. Caregivers can be evaluated and treated on their own. Redi-Med Psychiatry sees caregivers as patients in person and by telehealth.

Do I need a referral from my oncologist?

Usually not, but it depends on your insurance plan. Our front desk can check for you when you call (985) 626-3470.

Can I see a psychiatric provider by telehealth during cancer treatment?

Yes. Redi-Med Psychiatry offers telehealth visits, which can make care easier on treatment days or when you’re low on energy.

How soon can I be seen?

Redi-Med Psychiatry offers same-week appointments for new patients in Mandeville, Covington, Slidell, New Orleans, Belle Chasse and by telehealth.

Does Redi-Med Psychiatry take my insurance?

Redi-Med Psychiatry accepts all insurance plans. Call (985) 626-3470 and we’ll help with any coverage questions before your first visit.

Schedule a Visit

Whether you’re the one in treatment or the one holding everything together, you deserve support too.

Redi-Med Psychiatry
4430 Hwy 22, Mandeville, LA 70471
Phone: (985) 626-3470
Also serving Covington, Slidell, New Orleans, Belle Chasse and by telehealth
northshoreredimed.com

Call (985) 626-3470 to schedule a same-week evaluation.

If you are in crisis or thinking about suicide, call or text 988 or call 911. This article is for general education and is not medical advice. Treatment results vary from person to person.