Emotional well-being

Cancer not only affects your body — it affects your thoughts and feelings, too.

Cancer can have an impact on your self-image, your relationships, your finances, your career, and your overall approach to the world. Powerful emotions such as anxiety, sadness, or a feeling that you’ve lost control of your life may come and go, or they may stay with you for long periods of time. Either way, there are steps you can take and people you can turn to for help.

Back in the driver’s seat

Many people say that the hardest part of having cancer is the feeling of losing control. Even if you’ve taken an active role in deciding on your treatment plan, it can sometimes feel like your fate is in someone else’s hands. What’s more, having to rely on others to help look after you can be difficult, especially if you’re used to being independent.

Sometimes asserting control over smaller aspects of your life can help you cope with larger uncertainties. A diet and exercise program designed to support your immune system is an excellent way to be an active player in your treatment. It’s important to talk with your healthcare team about what’s appropriate for you. Once you have guidelines, you can make the routine your own.

It may also be the right time to accept help with the things that take lots of time or energy. You’ve probably heard, “Let me know how I can help” more than once since you told family and friends about your diagnosis. Take them up on their offers but be clear about what you need. If you’re uncomfortable doing that yourself, perhaps someone close to you — your spouse, sibling, or another caregiver — can coordinate the volunteers.

Symptom of depression		Symptoms of anxiety
Feelings of emptiness or rejection that last two weeks or more		Feeling nervous, jittery, jumpy, or apprehensive

Loss of interest in daily activities		Worrying about test results weeks ahead of time

Difficulty sleeping, or oversleeping		Pounding heart or difficulty catching breath because of nerves

Significant weight gain or loss not related to cancer		Worrying about pain — when it will return, how bad it will be, or getting medication in time

Difficulty concentrating or making decisions		Feeling disoriented or confused

Irritability		Fear of dying

Persistent thoughts of suicide or death		Worrying about becoming a burden to loved ones

When to get help

Feelings of anxiety, sadness, or frustration are natural parts of dealing with cancer. Many people find ways to defuse these feelings — for instance, by going for a walk, listening to music, talking with a close friend, or simply having a good cry.

You may find that uncomfortable feelings build up at certain, predictable times — before a doctor’s visit, for instance. The rest of the time, you’re able to go about life more or less normally.

Serious anxiety or depression can deal a double blow if you’re also dealing with cancer. Not only do they take a toll on your self-esteem, but some of the people close to you may not understand the severity of what you’re going through and just expect you to “snap out of it.” You may even be angry with yourself for not being able to conquer your problems. But it’s important to keep in mind that there are effective treatments available to help you feel better.

Make sure to tell your doctor if you recognize the signs of depression or anxiety. He or she may recommend psychotherapy, medication, or some combination of the two. During psychotherapy, you may discuss your feelings with a mental health professional, who can help you understand what you’re experiencing and find new ways of taking care of yourself and coping with your feelings. Here are some of the professionals you may work with and the types of treatments they offer:

Social workers usually need a master’s degree and state licensing to practice psychotherapy. They provide the majority of mental health services in the United States and may offer psychological counseling and guidance on an individual, family, or group basis. Social workers may also refer clients to additional social service, medical, or psychiatric resources for additional treatment.

Psychologists hold either a master’s or doctorate in psychology and must be licensed to practice. They diagnose and treat emotional and psychological disorders. Although they cannot prescribe medicine, they may work with a prescribing medical doctor or psychiatrist.

Psychiatrists are medical doctors who specialize in diagnosing and treating mental and emotional disorders using medication and psychotherapy. Psychiatrists may practice general psychiatry or work in an area of specialization, such as children or people with cancer.