You Can Manage Your Emotions During Cancer Treatment

After undergoing treatment and diagnosis, you are now ready to make a new start. As you get your life back on track, you might need to learn how you can manage your mental health issues as a cancer survivor.

Jency Emo, Fort Myers, FL has firsthand knowledge. After her 43rd birthday, she was diagnosed with breast carcinoma. Her doctors suggested a double mastectomy after a lumpectomy and radiation failed to eradicate her cancer. She felt both relieved and uneasy after the surgery.

“[I] Emo states that she felt uninformed about many of the processes and their lasting effects. Post-cancer checkups made her “tense and scared,” even though she knew the disease had been caught early, and there wasn’t a big chance of the cancer  returning. She was ready to end that chapter in her life and move on. She says, “I wanted it all to be done quickly. It wasn’t going that way.”

“A lot people want that moment.” [when treatment is complete] They hear “You’re done!” and they go back to the way they used to be. ” says Michelle B. Riba, MD. She is the director of the University of Michigan Comprehensive Cancer Center’s PsychOncology Program in Ann Arbor. “But, you’re still going under the microscope.

How to Manage Your Emotions

It is possible to experience depression, anxiety and even post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) after cancer treatment. Sometimes, a visit to the doctor can be the trigger for emotional turmoil. You can use these tips to manage stress during your post-cancer visit. You can:

• Before every checkup, make sure to reach out and connect with your support network. Ask a friend, family member, or colleague to accompany you to the doctor’s.
• You’ll be able to schedule your cancer-related appointments earlier in the day so that you have less time before you go.
• Relaxation techniques such as deep breathing and meditation can be used to reduce anxiety during doctor visits.

Some people’s anxiety is not triggered by doctor visits. It comes from somewhere else. Not Having them. Riba states that studies have shown that people feel sadder or more anxious when they receive active treatment.

According to her, it can be comforting to feel that you are doing something that will keep you safe. So you don’t get surprised when they come less frequently, make sure you know your follow-up visits.

Take care of your mental health

After you have been diagnosed with cancer, it is natural to wonder if your cancer will come back. You may feel anxious about normal pains and twinges that you might have missed before you were diagnosed with cancer.

“Physical symptoms that remind someone of the beginning can lead to concern about metastases. [cancer spread]Riba: “Make them think that a headache is more serious.”

Do not let worry get in the way of your health. If you are concerned about your health, talk to a doctor. Sometimes, it’s as simple as a quick call to relieve your worries.

A positive future is possible if you plan for it

These strategies can help you keep an eye on your mental health, reduce anxiety, anger, depression, and prevent future crises.

Discuss how you feel.. Keep your family and friends informed about your mood swings. Talk to a professional if you have any questions. Let your friends and family know what you’re feeling, including your fears and concerns.

You can control what you do. Make lifestyle changes like eating better, exercising, and engaging in social activities.

Find the right support groups. It’s important to ensure that the group is a good fit. Before you join a group, learn as much information as possible. What size is it? Where, when, and how frequently does it meet? Who is responsible for leading the sessions?

Concentrate on your faith. Some people can be brought closer to their spiritual side by cancer. Consider your religious or spiritual beliefs as a source for strength.

Be creative. Riba says that sometimes people like to express themselves through different media. Writing, music and dance can all be great outlets for mental health.

Give back. Riba says that giving back to others makes a lot of people feel better. Don’t be afraid to volunteer for other causes, like raising money for research. Use your post-cancer treatment time for good.

Be positive. Your energy should be spent on the pursuit of hope whenever you can. Emo said, “Live, breathe, embrace this life that you have been granted.” “This is your chance now.”