Hi. I'm looking for advice on how to best deal with someone who is suffering with severe depression over their cancer diagnosis and treatment.
My stepdad is currently undergoing treatment for esophageal cancer and, despite the fact he's been told he can make a full recovery once he's had the sugery he'll need to remove the tumour, the chemotherapy and radiotherapy he's had in the run up has made him so ill that he's now seems to have lost his entire will to live. The cancer now seems to be a secondary problem to the depression he's now suffering and he may now refuse any further treatment if it's required.
I'm worried about him and I'm equally worried abot my Mum who is living with this everyday and is becoming equally depressed about the situation.
I think they both need some sort of couselling to get them through this but I don't know who is best to contact about that - they don't seem to be getting any real help or support from the NHS in that area and the cancer charity are all completely overstretched and can't help.
I'm feeling quite helpless - so any suggestions or advice would be very much appreciated.
Many thanks in advance.
