Approximately 1.8 million people in the United States will be diagnosed with cancer in 2020. Learning you have cancer can lead to fear, anxiety, and stress. Months of treatments, physical side effects, and personal challenges often follow a cancer diagnosis.
It’s common for people with cancer to be susceptible to infections, lose their hair, have issues with their memory and to suffer from nausea and vomiting, struggle with fatigue, and insomnia. The side effects of treatment can make it hard for cancer patients to continue working, perform routine tasks, and engage socially.
The diagnosis and side effects of treatment can lead to depression, which can linger after your treatment is complete. You may have concerns about your cancer recurring or struggle with post-traumatic stress. After you have overcome cancer you can rebuild and maintain your emotional health with these strategies.
Look Good
A healthy body image is important for your mental health. Poor body image can lead to depression. It can also increase your sense of isolation if you do not want to socialize because of your appearance.
It’s common for cancer patients to suffer from hair loss during treatment. You can obtain a custom wig to help you through the recovery process as your hair grows back.
You may also lose weight during your treatment because of the loss of appetite and vomiting caused by the medications you were taking. Take the opportunity to invest in yourself by purchasing a new wardrobe. Stylish petite clothing can highlight your best physical attributes while making you feel slim and sexy. People receive an emotional boost that improves their mental health when they believe they look good. Investing in a new wardrobe can increase your confidence and help you feel ready to socialize. Chico’s is an excellent source for new tops, bottoms, jackets, and petite size dresses.
Seek Support
Receiving treatment for a life-threatening illness can be stressful and tiring. It is important to recognize your limitations during and after your treatment. You may still need help performing routine tasks for a period of time after your treatment is complete. There are nonprofit organizations equipped to help individuals who need to be driven to medical appointments. Some organizations also provide resources for in-home assistance or financial aid. Accessing these services can help alleviate your anxiety during and after your treatment.
You can benefit from talking to a clinical psychologist or clinical social worker in New York with years of experience in the mental health field. These experts are equipped to provide you with a safe, confidential outlet to discuss your feelings and fears during and after your treatment. Professional therapists in Manhattan offer teletherapy services. They offer a customized, data-driven approach to therapy designed to meet your unique needs.
Many locations have support groups for cancer patients. These gatherings offer you an opportunity to discuss your diagnosis, treatment, and feelings with others who have or are going through cancer treatment. This can be helpful because people who have not been through cancer treatment may not fully understand the treatment process and the way your diagnosis and treatment can affect you physically and mentally.
Be Optimistic
A positive outlook can be good for both your emotional and physical health. Studies have shown cancer patients are more likely to survive treatment if they are optimistic. Optimism also has a number of other physical health benefits, such as longevity.
You can boost your optimism by surrounding yourself with people who are optimistic. Friends who think negatively can cause you to be pessimistic or doubtful, which can have an adverse effect on your physical and mental health.
You can also boost your optimism by staying informed about groundbreaking clinical trials improving survival rates for cancer. Fear of cancer recurring can be a significant mental health issue for many cancer survivors. Knowing that researchers are developing more effective ways to locate and treat cancer can be encouraging.
Another way to improve your outlook is to do things to make yourself happy. When people pursue hobbies or activities they enjoy they feel better about themselves and their life. This can also help take your mind off of your problems for short periods of time, which will also help improve your emotional health.
