Managing cancer: psychological strategies
Cancer is the disease caused by uncontrolled cell growth. Many patients find the prospect of cancer to be frightening and distressing.
As a result, they may experience anxiety, depression, irritability, and other psychological disorders. Understanding how to manage patients' emotional responses to cancer can be beneficial in this regard.
Cancer patients frequently report emotional distress following the illness. They may feel depressed, scared, guilty, or hopeless. In these cases, their emotional state can be more severe than their physical health. Dealing with the physical symptoms of cancer can help alleviate physical fatigue, but combating mental symptoms can be equally challenging. As morbidity increases, some patients undergo physical changes that reflect emotional changes. One common change is weight loss.
Other changes include hair loss and skin lesions. Behavioral changes are also common - individuals with cancer may stop eating or sleeping well, lose weight, and experience congestion throughout the process.
This simultaneous physical and mental health change is often referred to as co-morbidity. Living with cancer can be highly stressful for both patients and caregivers. Significant adjustments occur in the lives of both individuals as they adapt to the fact that someone dear to them is ill.
The emotional responses to this adjustment can exacerbate existing psychological conditions or create new ones. Sometimes, doctors overlook the psychological issues their patients are facing and instead focus on their physical symptoms.
This leaves mental health issues untreated and can cause permanent damage to an already burdened psyche. Mental health problems are not always apparent when it comes to cancer.
Cancer treatment often requires individuals to put in extra effort for other aspects of their health. They may lose weight or modify their eating or sleeping habits in an attempt to improve their physical condition.
They may also avoid seeking medical help for minor issues because they fear it could impact their overall physical health. Both of these reactions are understandable when dealing with a potentially life-threatening illness; however, there are ways to address mental as well as physical issues related to cancer.
They may also avoid seeking medical help for minor issues because they fear it could impact their overall physical health.
- The first step in coping with the changes brought on by cancer is self-awareness—understanding what you are feeling and responding appropriately to that information
- The next step is mindfulness—the ability to focus on the present moment without being disturbed by concerns about the past or worries about the future.
- Finally, there is acceptance—the willingness to confront your current situation without seeking unrealistic goals for your future health or well-being. By following these steps, you can better manage your emotional responses to cancer and strive for the best possible quality of life while battling the disease in your body and taking care of your body to fight the disease within.
