---
title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: But, in fact, depression is not a side…"
description: "\"“But, in fact, depression is not a side effect of cancer. Depression is a side effect of dying. - Hazel Grace Lancaster”\" — John Green"
image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/7c7/john-green-12_cancer_but-in-fact-depression-is-not-a-side-eff_2405405.jpg"
---

#  But, in fact, depression is not a side effect of cancer…

![“But, in fact, depression is not a side effect of cancer. Depression is a side effect of dying. - Hazel Grace Lancaster” quote by John Green](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/7c7/john-green-12_cancer_but-in-fact-depression-is-not-a-side-eff_2405405.jpg)   [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/7c7/john-green-12_cancer_but-in-fact-depression-is-not-a-side-eff_2405405.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/7c7/john-green-12_cancer_but-in-fact-depression-is-not-a-side-eff_2405405.jpg)

> ““But, in fact, depression is not a side effect of cancer. Depression is a side effect of dying. - Hazel Grace Lancaster””

[John Green](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/john-green/)

## About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

Depression stems from confronting mortality, not merely illness.

**In simple terms:** Depression is about dying, not disease.

Key Takeaway

Recognize the deeper source of sadness.

Themes

mortality depression health

Mood

empathetic thoughtful

Type

literary inspirational

When to use this quote

- cancer diagnosis
- terminal illness
- grief counseling

Key Concepts

existentialism psychology

Questions to Reflect On

- How does awareness of mortality affect mental health?
- Can support address existential dread?

A Different Perspective

Depression may also have biological factors beyond existential fear.

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[Cancer](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/cancer/) [Cancer Depression](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/cancer-depression-1065307/) [Depression](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/depression/) [Depression Effect](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/depression-effect-882226/) [Effect Cancer](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/effect-cancer-1065308/) [Fact Depression](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/fact-depression-4095392/) [Hazel grace lancaster](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/hazel-grace-lancaster/)

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