Experiencing a serious illness affects more than a patient’s physical health. The emotional stress, uncertainty, and physical pain can all take a toll on an individual’s mental health. This is especially true for cancer patients. Receiving a cancer diagnosis can be a life-changing and emotional event for patients and their families, making it important to monitor one’s mental health alongside physical health.
Six Tips to boost your mental well-being while fighting cancer
It’s normal to feel sad, worried or afraid after being diagnosed with cancer. Feelings like depression, anxiety, insomnia or other mood changes can affect your treatment and your recovery, so caring for your mental health is just as important as your physical health.
Below are some tips to maintain your mental health while undergoing treatment:
Make sure you are getting enough calories because calories provide energy. Lean proteins and colorful fruits and vegetables can also boost your strength and positive attitude.
Physical activity has been linked to lower rates of depression among cancer survivors. Exercise can also assist in counteracting the fatigue often experienced with treatment.
While cancer treatment may take a lot of your time, staying involved and connected with your loved ones can alleviate emotional distress and the burden of the illness and treatments.
It often helps to talk about your experience. You can talk about your feelings with another cancer patient, a support group, your health care team or friends and family.
Make sure you take some time to focus on yourself. This can be a time to do relaxing massages, acupuncture, yoga and meditation.
Some people may put on a happy face, even if they don’t really feel that way. Studies show being cheerful has little to no effect on cancer. Don’t be afraid to share your true feelings, no matter what they are.
Your mental health is a state of mind that enables you to cope with stress, realize your abilities, learn well and work well. Being mentally healthy strengthens resilience and serves as a crucial part in the treatment journey of cancer and any other serious illness.
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