How to mentally gear up for the fight against cancer?

November 28, 2022

Cancer is a life-changing event. From receiving the news of a cancer diagnosis to understanding the treatment plan, cancer patients go through many kinds of emotions along with physical discomfort resulting from treatment. Pain and fatigue, appetite changes, memory changes all can have an overwhelming impact on the mental strength of the patient – in addition to the physical challenges.

Cancer patients experience elevated stress levels and often feel overwhelmed. Since cancer treatments may create debilitating side effects and make it hard to go about one’s regular lives, it is not uncommon for patients to think about their own condition and about their loved ones and feel depressed.

However, depression is the opposite of what their mind and body need during the time. In order to overcome the hurdles of cancer treatment, it is vital to have optimism and determination to face the disease.

How to overcome cancer-related mental challenges?

According to research, It is estimated that up to one-third of cancer patients in hospitals suffer from a prevalent mental health issue. One of the primary issues with mental health challenges associated with cancer is the inability of the patient to be aware of it. For instance, certain mental health symptoms: fatigue, lack of sleep, and decreased appetite overlap with symptoms associated with cancer and its treatment.

Take note of the following mental health symptoms:

During cancer treatment, patients, their families, and their caregivers need to look out for indicators of mental health disorders – such as distress, sadness, and anxiety.

1. Mental distress

Distress may be defined as an unpleasant feeling, mood, or behavior. Distress can have an impact on how patients think, feel, and act, making it difficult to cope with cancer symptoms, treatment, and side effects. According to research, distress might influence how patients make health decisions and act. They may find it difficult to concentrate on treatment decisions, follow-up appointments, or even taking drugs that are necessary for their treatment. They may express their distress in the following ways:

Sadness, fear, or rage
Helplessness, hopelessness, or a sense of being out of control

Feeling unsure about life's purpose or meaning
Fear of being separated from friends and family
Concerned about one’s role at home or in society

2. Anxiety

Anxiety is a typical issue for patients who have been diagnosed with cancer. Cancer patients, may experience fear and anxiety during treatment and recovery. Finding a lump or other symptoms of cancer, learning about a cancer diagnosis or relapse can create anxiety and fear. Treatment, doctor visits, and tests may also create anxiety. If these signs and symptoms occur nearly every day, and interfere with daily activities, they could be more serious in nature with underlying causes. Here are common symptoms of anxiety:

Difficulty in focusing on a task
Feeling of shakiness or trembling
Restlessness
Irritability or rage-filled outbursts

3. Depression

Depression is a serious condition that can have a significant impact on a person's quality of life. According to research, depression is considered to be up to three times more prevalent among cancer patients than in the general population. Cancer patients may have trouble adapting with the changes in life goals, self-esteem and body image, disruption of social roles, financial concerns, and end-of-life issues leading to depression. Anxiety or distress symptoms can sometimes coexist with depression. Here are some signs and symptoms that may indicate the need for professional care with depression:

Feeling jittery or shaky
Having a guilty conscience

Feeling irritable
Having difficulty concentrating or feeling disorganized
Finding it difficult to participate in activities you used to enjoy
Sleep issues
Suicidal thoughts or attempts at suicide

6 tips for managing mental health:

Managing mental health begins with having healthy communication and relationships with the patient. Asking them how they've been feeling emotionally or how they've been managing with the diagnosis and treatment may be a right approach. Letting the patient know that one is there to help them – can help them open up about any problems they are having.

Here are a few tips that can help in managing mental health:

1. Talk to a professional.

While meeting with a clinical social worker or a therapist may seem intimidating, these specialists are qualified to assist on mental health challenges. Allowing oneself to talk to someone other than friends or family ensures a trustworthy professional to help - while allowing family to remain family.

2. Continue with everyday activities, but make changes as needed.

Changing routine duties, habits, and hobbies is not failure; it is part of the process of adapting to changed circumstances. For example, cancer patients may experience fatigue and may not want to participate in normal everyday activities. They may want to spend more time resting or sleeping. It is important to respect their requirements and feelings – enabling them to stay in their comfort zone. However, care givers and family members must ensure that their routines and behavior does not cause any challenges.

3. Organize ahead

Cancer patients often need of transportation or need to get something done. It is critical for them to plan ahead of time to make it happen. Ask a friend for help as it will save time and avoid the last-minute scramble. Having another person will also help evaluate the options at hand and lessen the stress, providing a sense of control.

4. Find a support system.

Joining a support group can be beneficial for patients as they can connect with others who are going through a similar situation. A monthly in-person group, a one-time workshop, or self-care support groups are all right forms of support. Others may need to consider counseling with a mental health therapist.

5. Maintain a balance of in-person and online help.

Online support groups or communities may be of help for cancer patients with physical inabilities or a challenged immune system. This is truly beneficial for those who may not be able to connect face to face. However, it is critical to maintain in-person connections as it aids in emotional well-being.

6. Reach out to your community.

There are plenty of fantastic community resources available to assist. Look in your own neighborhood for emotional and social support. The American Cancer Society's website is a fantastic place to search for resources in your area.

Conclusion

The mental fight against cancer can have many ups and downs. But help is there for those who seek it.

One can discuss with the doctor as to what does the diagnosis means and what the future might hold. Knowing more about the illness may help a patient feel more in control. Connecting with individuals who have been diagnosed with a similar disease might also create hope.