Whether you're a caregiver or have been diagnosed with cancer yourself, the most important thing you can do is take care of your mental health. A diagnosis of cancer can be emotionally devastating. Often, we don't know where to turn for support.
“It's normal for both cancer patients and their caregivers to feel symptoms of anxiety and depression while undergoing cancer treatment,” says Jackie Tassiello, registered, board-certified, and licensed creative arts therapist. Depression, anxiety, and distress are common psychological reactions to cancer and can continue many years after successful treatment.
“Knowing there are multiple supports around you when you need it is like having an invisible net,” adds Tassiello. “When you’re connected to the right resources, you can feel more empowered and make more choices. Cancer can take away a lot of your ability to feel agency and to make choices. So, when you have these resources that give you options, you feel like you can make decisions yourself—and that's important.”
Mental Health Screenings
Mental health screenings can be a valuable tool for determining the state of your mental health. Screenings can also help identify any mental illness that may have been present long before your diagnosis.
Luckily, resources continue to improve and many organizations offer free online screenings from the comfort of your home. You can use these to gauge your mental state, discuss with your therapist or doctor, and determine if further treatment is necessary.
Free Mental Health Screening Resources:
Counseling
Counseling, psychotherapy, and talk therapy are also beneficial in coping with the stressors of a cancer diagnosis. While you may feel alone, there is nothing more powerful than discussing your feelings with someone who can provide you with guidance.
Counseling sessions typically last 45 minutes to an hour or longer, depending on your therapist's recommendations for frequency of visits. You're encouraged to speak freely about what’s on your mind so you can find more clarity in your thoughts.
There are several different types of therapy available:
- Mental health counseling: Private sessions focused on working through emotional issues and learning coping mechanisms.
- Group counseling: A counselor leads the group and provides a guarded place to talk, often with other members who are going through similar situations.
- Family counseling: This type of counseling focuses on working through stressors that are affecting the family as a whole.
Counseling Resources:
- Cancer Support Community: Offers online community groups, a cancer helpline, and a resource location tool.
- Cerebral: Offers virtual counseling sessions and regular assessments via phone or video.
- Talkspace:
- 7 Cups: Affordable individual counseling through a subscription-based platform.
- HealthWell Foundation: While this isn’t a support group, Healthwell’s Cancer-Related Behavioral Health Fund can help cover the cost of much-needed counseling services.
Cancer Support Groups
Cancer support groups have many benefits and connect you with individuals with alike circumstances. You can talk with other members and work through difficulties while offering support and tips.
Support groups have been proven to raise survival rates, provide hope, and help individuals through the treatment process. You can freely discuss your feelings and share how you deal with everyday life. This can help generate helpful coping strategies and take away the feeling of helplessness.
Cancer Support Groups:
- American Cancer Society: Online support communities for caregivers, cancer patients, and survivors.
- Cancer Support Community: An online support group where you can talk with an expert or connect with others.
- Inspire: A support community where you can anonymously share experiences, ask questions, and find resources throughout every stage of your cancer journey.
- Real Talk About Cancer: Online support group for anyone affected by cancer to share stories and inspiration.
Cancer Buddies:
- Imerman Angels: Matches cancer patients, supporters, and survivors with mentors that are a similar age and cancer stage.
- 4th Angel by Cleveland Clinic: Caregivers and patients are matched with mentors who have lived through a similar diagnosis.
- CanCare: Matches cancer patients with a supportive cancer survivor who will help encourage you throughout treatment
Tips For Finding Local Resources
Resources can aid with issues that arise with and during a diagnosis. Often, your local area can have valuable resources that you may not know about.
You can visit your local hospital or clinic to find out what resources are available to you. You may find programs that offer financial assistance, transportation, and emotional support.
Here are a few ways to find resources in your area:
- Ask your oncologist or patient navigator for recommendations. They’ll likely have a list of support groups or be able to connect you with a social worker or mental health professional specializing in cancer.
- Contact social services for assistance. They can help locate affordable transportation and health coverage. You can sign up for food stamps and request information on other assistance programs.
- Call charity organizations in your area. Churches often offer assistance with food, clothing, medical needs, and travel assistance. The services are usually offered by Catholic and Lutheran churches, but you can search under any local charity.
- Ask a Facebook Support Group. Facebook has many support groups for cancer patients, caregivers, and survivors. Many of the members have been in a similar situation and have a list of resources they’re willing to share with others. Just ask!
Take Care of Your Mental Health
Everyone reacts to a cancer diagnosis differently. And because there are so many variables to consider, most individuals may not know what to expect. This can quickly take a toll on your mind and body.
While the unknowns are overwhelming, you have to remember that you aren’t alone. There is valuable information and many available mental health resources for cancer. By taking care of yourself and your mental health, you’ll feel more prepared for treatment and recovery.
Recognizing and understanding your emotional reactions to cancer can help you through the process. The important thing is not necessarily how you feel, but that you recognize your emotions and address them proactively.
