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Last updated on October 23, 2024 by Randy Withers
Being diagnosed with cancer weighs heavily on patients both physically and mentally. The mere thought of having cancer could make even the strongest wills lose hope. Furthermore, not many realize how maintaining good mental well-being could help lessen the physical effects of the cancer experience.
With this in mind, it is important to consider how protecting a cancer patient’s mental health can make the experience less difficult. Let’s look at how mental health interventions could help in mental health treatment and recovery.
The line between cancer recovery and mental health
Let’s first talk about how improving mental health could help cancer patients in their daily battles. He American Cancer Society points out that being diagnosed with the disease could lead to feelings of helplessness and loneliness. It is also well established that cancer patients are more likely to experience major depression and a severe case of adjustment disorder as they deal with drastic changes in their lifestyles and social relationships.
Although a cancer diagnosis could negatively affect mental health, learning to psychologically cope with the illness could make the journey more bearable and manageable. Mental Health America cites studies suggesting that improvements in patients’ mental well-being could improve survival rates. Additionally, they are more likely to adhere to their treatment plans and experience a better quality of life.
Overall, focusing on mental health can improve medical outcomes, giving patients a fighting chance to overcome their condition and come out stronger.
Six Ways to Improve Your Mental Health as a Cancer Patient
If you are receiving cancer treatment, either for mesothelioma or leukemia, it is worth investing time in protecting your mental health and maintaining a positive attitude throughout the experience. Some of these may not cost you any amount of money. Just stay the course using these approaches to help you stay emotionally grounded:
1. Stay connected with your loved ones
You can never go wrong talking to people who know exactly what you are going through in your battle against cancer. From close family members to best friends you’ve known since high school, these are the people who wouldn’t hesitate to share words of encouragement and make you feel less alone. Throughout your treatment, get into the habit of catching up on what’s going on in your personal life. Small talk, even just a few minutes, can help lift your mood and give you a platform to discuss topics other than your upcoming chemotherapy schedule. Even if the interactions are online, there is still value every time you connect with people in your closest social circles.
2. Build new connections
In addition to talking to those closest to you, you should also look for opportunities to form new friendships and potentially long-lasting partnerships. Never deprive yourself of the opportunity to make friends with strangers who may share the same interests.
While you wait for your doctor’s appointment, strike up a conversation with other people in the waiting room. If you are going through the same experience, share your experiences and provide valuable advice. You can also find these types of connections in other places. Whether you’re riding the bus or waiting for your order at a coffee shop, you never know if the other person close to you will become an important part of your growing emotional support system.
3. Cope with stress the right way
The hardest part of undergoing cancer treatment is the anxiety and stress that you experience, amplified by your body’s response to the medications you take and a general feeling of uncertainty. Some patients may resort to unhealthy coping mechanisms that can only worsen their mental state and the side effects of treatment.
Stress hormones, such as cortisol, may affect the effectiveness of the immune system and slow the body’s recovery after a chemotherapy session. You can choose healthier ways to cope, such as going for a walk outside or taking up a creative and engaging hobby. If you’re used to bingeing when you’re stressed, replace your favorite comfort foods with healthier alternatives that offer nutrients that can aid in cancer treatment and recovery.
4. Find time to exercise
You can never overlook the effects of exercise on your mental health, especially while you are going through your battle with cancer. A good training plan does more than condition the body to better cope with fatigue. Committing to one results in an elevated mood as your body produces endorphins.
These same hormones are said to inhibit tumor growth as suggested a study presented by the National Institutes of Health. If your doctor allows, consider developing an exercise plan based on your experience and current physical needs. You may want to start with jogging exercises early in the morning. Additionally, you may want to consider adding strength training to the mix, especially as you enter the recovery phase. Your body needs to be properly conditioned as you regain your normal life.
5. Keep your mind active
When it comes to improving your mental health, you should engage in activities that engage your creativity and improve your cognitive function. Stress and anxiety can only lead to an inability to think clearly, which, in turn, affects your quality of life. With this, opt for activities that allow you to express your emotions and keep your mind active.
Keeping a journal can serve as a way to document your feelings and thoughts as treatment progresses. If you’re more into visual creation, take up hobbies like drawing or painting outdoors. Art therapy is always a great way to deal with the uncertainties you find yourself in, allowing you to maintain a positive outlook. Other ways to engage mentally and creatively are through games like Scrabble and Sudoku, as well as gardening and baking, both great for exercising mindfulness.
6. Take a break in nature
While some patients feel more comfortable living in urban centers, most would benefit significantly from being close to nature. Through nature-based interventions such as outdoor walks and camping, patients are allowed to disconnect from urban environments and be at peace with their surroundings.
Exposure to healthy levels of sunlight and fresh air is not only great during the recovery phase, but is also guaranteed to improve your mood. In addition, you will also get a better quality of sleep and face the effects of fatigue after a chemotherapy session. That being said, consider taking a trip to the beach or camping with some friends and family at a nature park.
Final thoughts
Effective treatment requires both physical resilience and a strong focus on the mental health of the cancer patient. It is vitally important to stay connected with your loved ones, build new relationships, and develop healthy coping mechanisms during this journey.
The importance of exercise, mental engagement, and exposure to nature further supports the idea that a holistic approach can improve quality of life. Recognizing that mental health is as vital as physical health allows you to take active steps toward recovery.
As you progress through treatment, remember that it is okay to seek help and prioritize your mental well-being. Adopting these strategies provides the strength needed to face future challenges and fosters hope and resilience. While the road may be difficult, focusing on your mental health as a cancer patient helps pave the way to a successful recovery.
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