MHM Magazine

24 | MENTAL HEALTH MATTERS | 2023 | Issue 3 MHM for people living with a life limiting illness. It focuses on providing support and helping patients, and their families, make informed decisions about their treatment. As well as providing relief from physical symptoms and psychological and emotional distress. The team provides an extra layer of support, working closely with the patient’s doctor, and is based on the needs of the patient, rather than the prognosis.” “This type of care is appropriate at any age and at any stage in a life limiting illness, and it can be provided along with curative treatment. The goal is to improve the quality of life of the patient, and their family, by means of a multi-disciplinary team. This team provides emotional support and help the patient and their family come to terms with the reality of cancer.” She says that undiagnosed depression and anxiety can impact the patient’s ability to cope emotionally. These conditions may also worsen physical symptoms such as pain and fatigue, impacting quality of life, relationships, and daily functioning. Making the diagnosis of depression is challenging as there is an overlap between many of the physical symptoms caused by the medical condition with those experience with a depressive episode. These symptoms may include: • Loss of energy • Insomnia • Fatigue • Loss of libido • Weight change • Appetite change Patients experiencing the above symptoms together with any of the following symptoms, are encouraged to seek support: • Excessive feelings of hopelessness, guilt, and worthlessness • An ongoing depressed or dysphoric mood • Wishing for a hastened death • Suicidal thoughts or plans • Social withdrawal • Loss of pleasure in daily activities • Irritability and agitation • Anxiety • Psychotic features (delusions, paranoia) with a depressed mood Where patients can seek further help: The South African Depression and Anxiety Group also has a Chronic Illness Support Group. If you have a patient that you think could benefit from this Group, please provide them with the Support Group leader’s details: Erna – 0834506451. PALPRAC, has a list of palliative care providers and services in various area (see link below). In addition to working with a palliative care team, patients and, or, their family members, can reach out to the CANSA Help Desk on 0800 22 66 22 to book an appointment or send an email to info@cansa.org.za . Join their support groups on social media by visiting. https://www.facebook.com/groups/ ChampionsofHope/ https://www.facebook.com/groups/ CANSACaregivers/ https://www.palprac.org References available on request.