How Cancer Affects Mental Health: Depression, Therapy, and Healing

In this powerful episode of Giving Voice to Depression, J.J. Singleton shares his journey of living with terminal colorectal cancer and battling depression. After enduring over 170 rounds of chemotherapy, J.J. opens up about the toll cancer has taken not just on his body but on his mental health. He discusses the stigma men face in expressing vulnerability, his initial resistance to therapy, and the life-changing benefits of opening up and seeking professional support. J.J.’s story is one of resilience, honesty, and hope — a reminder that healing is both a physical and emotional process.

He also highlights the importance of peer support, distraction, and advocacy, showing that even in the darkest times, connection and conversation can make a life-saving difference.

Primary Topics Covered:

• J.J. Singleton’s journey with terminal colorectal cancer
• The connection between cancer and depression
• Stigma around men’s mental health and vulnerability
• The role of therapy in coping with suicidal thoughts
• Tools for resilience: peer support, therapy, and distraction
• Advocating for mental health awareness in cancer care

Timestamps:

00:00 Intro to Giving Voice to Depression
 02:26 Introducing guest J.J. Singleton and his cancer journey
 03:34 The impact of cancer on men’s mental health
 04:55 How cancer and treatment triggered depression and PTSD
 06:36 Learning to shift mindset and seek support
 07:22 Realizing the importance of therapy
 08:13 How therapy helped J.J. cope with suicidal thoughts
 09:48 Breaking stigma around talking about mental health
 11:25 The unseen mental toll of cancer treatment
 11:45 Using distraction and peer support as coping tools
 13:01 Why J.J. advocates for mental health awareness in cancer care
 13:55 How awareness could have helped earlier in his journey
 14:22 J.J.’s motivation for sharing his story publicly
 15:01 From darkest places to speaking out about healing
 15:32 Reflections on mind-body connection in illness
 16:22 The cost of silence and repression in mental health struggles
 17:05 Closing thoughts and resources, including manuptocancer.com

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