"Having cancer gave me membership in an elite club I'd rather not belong to."
Gilda Radner
Gilda Radner
Cancer
If you have been diagnosed with cancer, you may often find yourself overwhelmed. In the beginning, you may discover you can't think straight, and you don't know what to do or where to turn. Your world has been turned upside-down, and it's downright terrifying! Maybe you put on a “happy face” to protect loved ones, adding to the stress with which you're already struggling.
You have enough on your plate without having to deal with the emotional side effects that come along for the diagnostic ride. Medical professionals are busy treating your illness and restoring your physical health and may overlook the emotional dimensions associated with having cancer. Yet, there is a very real and present emotional side, known as psychological distress, that accompanies being diagnosed with cancer.
The emotional impact of cancer presents itself most commonly as anxiety and depression. You may experience a variety of other uncomfortable and unwelcome emotions as well, such as: anger (why me), envy (of others who are healthy), frustration, guilt, shame, and (grief, which reveals itself as) sadness, as well as trauma. Hearing “you have cancer” can have a traumatic effect not only on the patient, but the caregiver and immediate family members as well.
Coping with cancer takes an enormous emotional toll creating stress which negatively impacts healing and recovery. Depression may be difficult to diagnose as some symptoms (fatigue, weight loss) might be the result of medical treatment(s). However, depression, which can easily lead to feelings of hopelessness, may weaken a person's capacity to cope with pain, and may quickly erode supportive relationships. Mood disturbances may also be caused by certain therapies, such as hormone treatments, interferon, and other medications. Addressing these psychological factors is just as important as treating the medical condition and should not be overlooked or avoided. Treating the psychological impact of cancer can increase a person's motivation for medical care and their desire to follow recommended treatment protocol.
Obviously, having cancer is a loss of health. But, living with cancer creates other losses, too. There are diagnostic tests to be taken and blood work to be drawn – over and over. There is the insufferable waiting for these results. There are doctor's appointments to schedule, and the interminable waiting to be seen. There are insurance concerns to be handled. Prescriptions need to be filled, organized and taken. Medical procedures and treatments must be endured and maintained. This new “medical life” now includes a series of losses: confidence and serenity, personal freedom, healthy mental wellness, lifestyle, personal time, hopes and dreams. Sometimes, livelihoods are threatened, making it difficult to work and support loved ones.
Cancer can leave you feeling irrational and reactive, sometimes striking out at others (especially loved ones) for no apparent reason. It negatively effects mental stability replacing composure, confidence, self-esteem, and tranquility with feelings of anxiety, confusion, fear and self-doubt. Grief and loss are natural consequences of having cancer and may be experienced as apathy, despair and sadness.
By understanding the psychological dimensions of receiving a cancer diagnosis, you can learn to maintain healthy coping skills and hope – a positive and necessary ingredient! Being able to talk openly about cancer without worrying about what others may think, feel, say or do takes a tremendous weight off and greatly reduces stress.
If you would like professional help coming to terms with your diagnosis and addressing your emotional needs, please contact me. Together, we can take the fear out of a cancer diagnosis!
If you have been diagnosed with cancer, you may often find yourself overwhelmed. In the beginning, you may discover you can't think straight, and you don't know what to do or where to turn. Your world has been turned upside-down, and it's downright terrifying! Maybe you put on a “happy face” to protect loved ones, adding to the stress with which you're already struggling.
You have enough on your plate without having to deal with the emotional side effects that come along for the diagnostic ride. Medical professionals are busy treating your illness and restoring your physical health and may overlook the emotional dimensions associated with having cancer. Yet, there is a very real and present emotional side, known as psychological distress, that accompanies being diagnosed with cancer.
The emotional impact of cancer presents itself most commonly as anxiety and depression. You may experience a variety of other uncomfortable and unwelcome emotions as well, such as: anger (why me), envy (of others who are healthy), frustration, guilt, shame, and (grief, which reveals itself as) sadness, as well as trauma. Hearing “you have cancer” can have a traumatic effect not only on the patient, but the caregiver and immediate family members as well.
Coping with cancer takes an enormous emotional toll creating stress which negatively impacts healing and recovery. Depression may be difficult to diagnose as some symptoms (fatigue, weight loss) might be the result of medical treatment(s). However, depression, which can easily lead to feelings of hopelessness, may weaken a person's capacity to cope with pain, and may quickly erode supportive relationships. Mood disturbances may also be caused by certain therapies, such as hormone treatments, interferon, and other medications. Addressing these psychological factors is just as important as treating the medical condition and should not be overlooked or avoided. Treating the psychological impact of cancer can increase a person's motivation for medical care and their desire to follow recommended treatment protocol.
Obviously, having cancer is a loss of health. But, living with cancer creates other losses, too. There are diagnostic tests to be taken and blood work to be drawn – over and over. There is the insufferable waiting for these results. There are doctor's appointments to schedule, and the interminable waiting to be seen. There are insurance concerns to be handled. Prescriptions need to be filled, organized and taken. Medical procedures and treatments must be endured and maintained. This new “medical life” now includes a series of losses: confidence and serenity, personal freedom, healthy mental wellness, lifestyle, personal time, hopes and dreams. Sometimes, livelihoods are threatened, making it difficult to work and support loved ones.
Cancer can leave you feeling irrational and reactive, sometimes striking out at others (especially loved ones) for no apparent reason. It negatively effects mental stability replacing composure, confidence, self-esteem, and tranquility with feelings of anxiety, confusion, fear and self-doubt. Grief and loss are natural consequences of having cancer and may be experienced as apathy, despair and sadness.
By understanding the psychological dimensions of receiving a cancer diagnosis, you can learn to maintain healthy coping skills and hope – a positive and necessary ingredient! Being able to talk openly about cancer without worrying about what others may think, feel, say or do takes a tremendous weight off and greatly reduces stress.
If you would like professional help coming to terms with your diagnosis and addressing your emotional needs, please contact me. Together, we can take the fear out of a cancer diagnosis!
For more information regarding cancer, please visit my cancer information website:
To schedule an appointment, please call or text: (561) 529 - 4488
Office: 7711 N. Military Trail, Suite 216, Palm Beach Gardens, FL
Office: 7711 N. Military Trail, Suite 216, Palm Beach Gardens, FL
© A Place To Heal Counseling, LLC
2016 - 2024
All rights reserved worldwide.
2016 - 2024
All rights reserved worldwide.