Can my depression indirectly cause cancer?

Hi. Sorry if this is in the wrong place. I was unsure of where else to post this as there's no forum for the type of cancer I'm concerned about (as far as I know).

I'm 21-years-old, 5'8" (173 cm) and 148 lbs (67.13 kg). I live in the States.

I've been suffering from treatment-resistant depression for the last four months. Because of this, I've been spending almost all of my time in bed (I'm what people call a "NEET"). This has included after every meal. I've had GERD (not heartburn, but gagging/belching after eating and while walking) for about 2 years, now.

I'm taking Risperdal (for autistic spectrum), Zoloft (for the depression), and Inderal (for anxiety). I used to be on Nexium (for acidity).

I have also been suffering from increasingly recurring diarrhea/indigestion.

Last month, at about 4 in the morning, I woke up with really bad chest pain for about 4 hours until I took Advil. That cured it. then again on Christmas Eve, I had very minor heartburn while sleeping, which was gone by morning.

I'm wondering if my sleeping after every meal (and all the time in general) could be setting me up for getting esophageal cancer. If so, approximately how long do I have before my bad habits catch up with me?

Thanks.

Actually, I *have* read of a correlation between gerd and esophageal cancer.

I think the main problem is that you are laying down after every meal. The throat and stomach are designed to work when we are upright. Laying down pre-disposes us to all kinds of gerd/heartburn type issues.

It seems to me that you should see your GP and get the physical issues checked out completely, including all your cancer and diarrhea/indigestion concerns.

Then, make sure you have the right medications to treat your depression and anxiety concerns.

Thank you for responding.

BnotAfraid, I am calling my depression treatment resistant because I have had it for over a year now, it's just been at its worst these past 4 and a half months. I don't think I have LPR. I do have post-nasal drip, but I feel it could be from my deviated septum instead.

Lynnwood, I already am getting treated for the depression and anxiety, that's what all the medications are for.

I would also talk to your Doc about anxiety and worrying about the future.....

Most anti anxiety meds are addicting. I don't know why.

I am glad you see a psychiatrist and do CBT therapy. I would let him know about your fears though, I suspect you have health anxiety. A lot of people do. We worry about things that don't even happen.

Sounds like you have a good psychiatrist. Keep working with them. Discuss mindfulness with him too. That helps a lot with anxiety.

I hope you have a good day and continue to have improvement with your health.

Hang in there Hal...

Hugs, Karen...

PS I see a psychiatrist and a psychologist and they have helped me a lot.

Benzodiazepines are all addictive. Good for you for stopping the Lorazepam for now. And while I do not know whether or not depression could cause cancer, I do know that cancer can cause depression. Statistics are that one in three cancer patients report depression but only one in seven actually seek treatment. In my case, I also believe that having cancer present in my body and not even knowing about it brought about changes in my personality starting soon after my first failed biopsy.

And yes, GERD can eventually lead to esophageal cancer, but there is an intermediate condition known as Barrett's esophagus. Around 20% of those with GERD will develop Barrett's, but only a small number of Barrett's patients ever progress to esophageal cancer... less that 1%. Barrett's can be diagnosed by a simple endoscopic biopsy (I get one every other year) to determine if precancerous cells exist in the esophagus. If so, you would be put on PPI's. As you are already on Nexium, perhaps a higher dose would be prescribed.

Several things you should do, and please do not get me wrong here, as tends to happen a lot in this forum. Anyway, please realize that CANCER is a far more serious condition than is depression. DO NOT in any way allow your depression to send you down a path that could lead to cancer. It is a terrible disease that will indeed change your life forever.

First, take your Nexium religiously, and as directed. First thing in the morning with only water and nothing else for an hour. Then eat something. Food activates the PPI. Secondly, most antidepressants should only be taken with food. They can cause serious gastric conditions if taken repeatedly on an empty stomach or only with liquids. If you still need to use antacids, DO NOT take them with your other medications. They can interfere with each other.

Lastly, if you must lay down after a meal - and I know how that is - try to elevate the upper half of your body with firm pillows. Sleep that way at night as well, when GERD tends to be worse. Many people elevate the head of their bed 4-8" by stacking bricks, books or lumber under the top two legs of the bed. It makes a difference. Be sure to drink plenty of water during the day and do not snack after 9PM and nothing heavy after dinner. An early dinnertime also helps.

Any of these things you can do should help your physical condition, and your mental and emotional difficulties cannot improve if you are beset with physical ailments. You are a very young man and believe me, you do not want to be fed a liquid diet thru a PEG tube in your stomach for the rest of your life.

I dont think stress/depression will cause cancer its more likely eating red meat will cause cancer, i dont know i havent researched it but why would lying down after a meal cause cancer, babies lye down all the time an so do alot of old people an disabled ppl i have never heard of it, but ya its a myth that stress causes cancer many ppl think so though but it dont