05/15/2026
May is Mental Health Awareness Month, an important reminder that mental health deserves attention and care every day of the year. Taking care of our mental well-being is just as important as caring for our physical health and supporting one another can make a meaningful difference.
For patients living with chronic illnesses such as cancer, heart disease, and diabetes, and for the loved ones and caregivers supporting them, the emotional impact can be overwhelming and life changing.
The National Institute of Mental Health encourages friends, family members, caregivers, and patients to watch for signs of depression in themselves and others. While occasional feelings of sadness are normal, ongoing symptoms that persist should not be ignored:
• Persistent sad, anxious, or “empty” mood
• Feeling hopeless or pessimistic
• Feeling irritable, easily frustrated, or restless
• Feeling guilty, worthless, or helpless
• Loss of interest or pleasure in hobbies and activities
• Decreased energy, fatigue, or feeling “slowed down”
• Difficulty concentrating, remembering, or making decisions
• Difficulty sleeping, early-morning awakening, or oversleeping
• Changes in appetite or weight
• Aches or pains, headaches, cramps, or digestive problems without a clear physical cause that do not improve with treatment
• Thoughts of death or su***de, or su***de attempts
If you or someone you know is experiencing one or more of these symptoms, talk with your physician or healthcare professional. Remember, treating depression is just as important as treating the chronic disease itself.
