I am 28 years old and have been working with cancer patients. I think it's making me depressed, but I don't want that to leech into my job. What can I do to prevent anything from happening?
It sounds like you are possibly suffering from 2ndary PTSD or or social service burnout. In eaither case most of the time it is helpful to join a therapy support group for burnout and see a counselor that can help you with the depresssion. Ask your family doctor for a prescription for mild depression until you get to the other side. You are obviously a caring person, sometimes you just need to talk to someone who has been there. Other things you cand do are: get the type of physical help you need to continue your good work. Get plenty of rest 10 hours a night regular exercise and follow a balence diet. Join a support group and get into a group that also enjoys what you enjoy, i.e sewing guild, running partener, card club, community soft ball league, or a bowling league. Remember all work and no play makes Jo and dull and tired!
If your agency has an EAP--Employee Assistance program to inquire about that. You can also seek outpatient therapy to help cope with depressive symptoms.
It could be worthwhile for you to identify a therapist/counselor who can help you identify the root of your feelings and emotions. Providing care to others can be emotionally taxing so it's important that you identify self-care options for yourself.