Cancer, to a great extent, affects your physical health adversely. Similarly, your emotional and mental health isn’t left out either. With cancer, emotions my gradually pile, some of which you aren’t used. These feelings come with a bout of intensity on some days. Fear, sadness, and worry are natural feelings during this journey. However, don’t let these emotions overwhelm you.
Your mental strength is as significant as your physical strength. A little optimism and faith will undoubtedly improve your quality of life significantly.
Below are six ways that’ll help you stay emotionally stable;
Don’t Feel Sorry for Yourself.
As a cancer patient, you may tend to develop sorry feelings for yourself. And there’s nothing worse than self-pity. In the sad state, you see no light, and your days lack warmth. And what good does that do?
By wallowing into that sorry cocoon, you let cancer win. Recall all the tough times you’ve gone through and still emerged out strong. If you’re still energetic, engage in fun activities. Attend that concert or go painting. Also, you could take on optimistic reads. You’re stronger than cancer. Don’t let it wear you down.
Exercise
Exercising is an excellent way of taking care of both your physical and emotional health. It’s an effective way of burning off daily frustrations.
By exercising, you engage your brain and muscles. Thus, combating fatigue, anxiety, and depression. Take up on mind-relaxing activities. These include yoga, deep breathing, and meditation.
Be Kind to Yourself
As aforementioned, cancer brings forth a whole wave of feelings and emotions. The thought of living with cancer & treatment may be overwhelming at first.
Learn to embrace each of your feelings. Also, spend time with an uplifting company. With a reliable support system, feelings of depression and sadness gradually go away. A positive and supportive health care system is also vital in treatment. In this journey, there’s nothing more essential than positivity.
Please Don’t Go Through It Alone.
At the onset of cancer, feelings of anxiety and depression may gradually develop. And this is entirely normal. With depression, you feel sad, overwhelmed, and hopeless.
Often, depression requires medical treatment. Thus, let your healthcare giver know once you feel anxious and depressed. Also, ensure you adhere to the prescribed medication. If the medicine fails to work, still inform the doctor.
Thoughts of self-harm may also creep in. But avoid them altogether. If unable, call your doctor immediately. Better still, you could dial 911.
Talk to Someone
A cancer diagnosis may have you feeling lonely. At first, you have no idea how to cope. Thus, it would be best if you had emotional support.
Find someone to talk to; a friend, partner, or family member. If you have no one to communicate with, you could journal your thoughts and experiences. Your emotional buddy should allow you to express yourself with no judgment whatsoever. They should be your forever partner in this journey.
The Cancer Centre in Hong Kong has oncology social workers to help you express your thoughts and experiences.
Continue Living Your Life
With cancer, you develop a new routine. Your schedule now involves doctor visits and treatments.
However, as hard as it may seem, keep doing whatever brings you joy. Get out of the house and be active. Stay around encouraging people. Avoid negative friends entirely. Also, get rid of anything that stresses you.
Besides, concentrate on your hobbies and interests. Find creative outlets, including music, movies, & dance. Have all the fun that comes your way and keep your head up.
With cancer, don’t expect immediate results. Celebrate even the tiniest milestones. Developing a daily schedule will give you a sense of control. Be as active as you can.
