Thrive, Not Just Survive: The Importance of Emotional and Psychosocial Well-being During and After Cancer

By Daksha Arora, MS, LGPC, NCC

Serene Therapy & Wellness

. http://SereneTherapyCenter.com

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Thrive, Not Just Survive: The Importance of Emotional and Psychosocial Well-being During and After Cancer

From the moment cancer is detected, the focus of all medical intervention is primarily on eliminating the cancer from the body. While finding an appropriate cure for the cancer is critical, it is important to recognize that cancer and its treatment also has a strong negative impact on the cognitive, psychological, emotional, and social well-being of the person diagnosed with cancer. Addressing these psychosocial needs of cancer patients is important to help them not only survive but also thrive, with strength and resilience, throughout and after completion of cancer treatment.

To all who are impacted by cancer, here are some strategies that may help you brave through the journey of cancer diagnosis, treatment, and life after cancer treatment ends:

1. Practice self-compassion and kindness. There may be anger, frustration, impatience, and various other strong emotions at different points as you go through these experiences. At each point, be gentle and kind with yourself and treat yourself the way you would treat a good friend.
2. Exercise self-care. Make time and conscious efforts to take care of and indulge in yourself. This could be any activity that helps you relax or be happy even if for brief moments. Meet with people who help you relax, take a walk, watch a movie, take relaxing baths, get a massage, engage in art activities or take up a new hobby. Consult with your medical team to ensure that physical activities are compatible with your diagnosis and treatment.
3. Ask for help (without any guilt) from friends, family, neighbors, community groups, and colleagues at work. Tap into an expanded network and think of people you know in your personal or professional network who you ordinarily may not think of asking for help. These are not ordinary times and people often really want to help but just don’t know how.
4. Join support groups, online or in-person, with people with similar cancer diagnosis and treatment experiences. Such groups can provide a sense of community. Besides being a source of information, resources, and support, these groups also validate that you are not alone in this journey.
5. Seek professional help. When the feelings of sadness, being overwhelmed, anxiety, or panic are persistent, do not change with efforts to manage on your own or with help from loved ones, or interfere with your ability to engage in or enjoy your routine activities, seek help from a professional therapist. Addressing your emotional and psychological challenges with a trained and objective professional in a safe and confidential environment will better equip you to deal with the effects of the cancer experience in the short term and for all that life brings after cancer in the long-term. It is an important part of self-care. It may also help reduce the strain on your relationships and help you perform better in your personal or professional roles.

Do all you can to not just survive but also thrive during and after the cancer experience, you owe it to yourself.