Psychological & Emotional Aspects
Receiving a cancer diagnosis is a profound and life-altering event for both you and your loved ones. It can feel as if your world is collapsing around you. Throughout your journey as a patient, you may encounter a whirlwind of emotions, ranging from feeling trapped and unlucky to angry, guilty, worried, and fearful.
Experiencing such a range of emotions is completely normal in response to a cancer diagnosis. It's natural to feel overwhelmed and frightened upon learning about the diagnosis, and these emotions can have a significant impact on your life as well as the lives of those close to you. There's no predetermined way you should feel, and your emotions may fluctuate, with moments of positivity intermingled with periods of intense anxiety. Struggling with your mental health can start at any time when you have cancer. It could be after diagnosis, during treatment, or after treatment has finished.
Taking care of your mental health is crucial as it empowers you to confront the challenges of your illness with strength and confidence. Maintaining a balanced mental well-being can enhance your recovery, overall quality of life, and interpersonal relationships. Recognizing signs like sleep disturbances, appetite changes, fatigue, irritability, and physical symptoms is crucial. Seeking medical advice is essential, as medication or therapy may be necessary for effective mental health management.
- Have a consistent support system (family, friends, or even pets) and spend time with them.
- Share feelings and fears that you or your relatives may be having; listen carefully to each other's feelings.
- Keep your social circle and activities, whenever possible.
- Do things that bring your mind to rest and that work for you; examples include breathing exercises, meditation, yoga, mindfulness.
- Keep moving: It's natural for individuals in pain to reduce their activities, but it is been found that this might be counterproductive. Engaging in regular exercise diminishes pain and fatigue linked to cancer. Staying as active as possible not only can enhances your mood and contributes to long-term physical and emotional well-being.
- Ensure sufficient and high-quality sleep: Chronic lack of sleep can be a risk factor for worsening of your mental health. Aim for at least seven hours of sleep every night.
- Avoid keeping your feelings inside.
- Avoid forcing yourself or others to talk if you or they are not ready to.
- Can my mood affect my cancer and its response to treatment?
- Can I take medication for my mood alterations or anxiety?
- Are there any support groups in this hospital?
- With who can I talk to when I feel depressed?
At times, preventive measures may fall short, so don't hesitate to seek professional assistance if you suspect or are aware of depression or anxiety. Medication and talk therapy can be beneficial in preventing the overwhelming impact of negative thoughts. Ask your clinician and/or cancer nurse specialist to refer you to a psycho-oncologist or a counsellor. You can also contact a cancer patient organisation that can provide information, advice and support about your patient journey and can bring you into contact with other patients who have had similar experiences. Some patient organisations offer psycho-oncological support.