Emotional/Psychological
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If you are fighting cancer, it is not uncommon to experience psychological distress. Whether you are coping with the diagnosis, the challenges of treatment, or continued worry about a recurrence, emotions brought on by the cancer experience can be difficult to handle.
Cancer may bring on a range of emotions, including, but not limited to, the following:
- Shock/Disbelief
- Fear/Uncertainty
- Guilt
- Grief/Sadness
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Anger/Frustration
- Feelings of isolation
- Vulnerability/Helplessness
Psychological care is normal and necessary, and is an integral part of cancer care. Addressing your psychological well-being can help you feel more relaxed and in control, cope better during treatment, overcome anxiety and depression, and enjoy life.
Tips for Improving Your Psychological Well Being
- Find a new outlook. Focus on what you can change, not on what you can’t change.
- Try not to generalize. Cancer means something different to each individual. Everyone experiences cancer differently and your experience is unique to you.
- Talk about your feelings. Reach out to family and friends, other cancer survivors, a spiritual leader, etc.
- Make healthy lifestyle choices. Pay attention to your needs for rest, nutrition, exercise, and private time.
- Seek professional counseling, including individual, couple, family, and/or group therapy.
- Try mind-body techniques, such as relaxation therapies, laughter therapy, stress management interventions, energy therapies, etc.
NOTE: THIS INFORMATION IS NOT INTENDED NOR IMPLIED TO BE A SUBSTITUTE FOR PROFESSIONAL MEDICAL ADVICE. YOU SHOULD ALWAYS SEEK THE ADVICE OF YOUR PHYSICIAN OR OTHER QUALIFIED HEALTH CARE PROVIDER REGARDING CANCER-RELATED SIDE EFFECTS.
