With intensive and often lengthy treatment. It is no wonder that many people diagnosed with cancer find that this disease can dominate their lives. However, because experiencing cancer can be life-changing and traumatic. Many patients find that they are not relieved after receiving treatment, but feel anxiety. Claire of Grimsby, 45, was diagnose with throat cancer in 2016.
After six weeks of intensive radiotherapy and chemotherapy. Although she was relieve. She also found that the lack of daily life caused by the treatment made her feel anxious. I feel that I have lost the support network of doctors and nurses that. I am used to every day,” she said.
A natural response
However, although anxiety is accompanied by a series of uncomfortable symptoms. It is important to remember that this is an understandable response to the trauma we experience.
“Cancer can cause all kinds of worries and fears, both for us and for us. We are force to face our own mortal thoughts, endure complex and unpleasant treatments. It can be unable to fully control our own care and destiny.
You may have experienced it too. The pain of weakness. Understandably, this combination of Foundations Therapy’s psychologist Dr. Sharie Coombes explained that it can trigger our anxiety response. Which is a primitive survival response, and in this state for a long time. It can be reprogrammed brain can maintain this state after recovery.
Anxiety symptoms
Anxiety can manifest in many different ways, including increased heart rate, tremor, nausea, muscle tension, inability to relax, and insomnia.
As well as your body, it takes time to move forward, and sometimes even support. Your brain has been reprogrammed, and now you need to help it connect to a new state of health. You will move on and live your life again! “Comes explained.
Getting well
Claire was able to use the combination of treatments provided by her NHS team to control her anxiety, as well as attend the course of Macmillan’s “Coexistence with Cancer” team.
These courses include mindfulness, “looks good, feels better”, complementary therapy, and hope courses (how to effectively overcome problems). In my opinion, this course is one of my turning points because it is facilitated by nurses Macmillan and cancer survivors for a group of cancer fighters who understand all my emotions,” he explained. It depends on their location and needs.
Maggie Center, located on the premises of the NHS Cancer Hospital, also offers courses to provide patients and their families with a variety of practical, emotional, and physical support, including disease management courses.
Dealing with anxiety
In addition to asking your cancer team for help or visiting your GP, there are many ways to deal with anxiety when it arises.
Don’t ignore worries
It is natural for people who have experienced life-changing diseases to worry about their health. But it is important to express your feelings candidly and seek professional advice. “Hiding your worries sometimes gives you more power, so be honest with your fears,” Coombs suggested.
Make time to talk
Whether it’s talking to a supportive friend, participating in a support group, or organizing a one-on-one meeting with a qualified therapist, it’s important to find time and space to express your fears.
“Talking about your fears with others helps your brain process what you are going through and prepares you for the different stages of your life,” Combs explained.
“Diaries or blogs can also be a great way to express your concerns. These activities can really help your brain process what is happening and prepare you for different stages of your life.”
Macmillan Cancer Support, Maggie’s Centers and Cancer Organizations such as Support UK provide online and phone support. So if you are not sure how to get start. It is worth talking to an expert who can help.
Be prepared
Recognizing that certain moments may be more difficult than others, for example, if you are about to undergo a blood test or have to go to the hospital for other reasons, will help you control your current anxiety.
“Maybe sometimes (anniversaries) diagnoses, milestones, etc.) are more difficult than others. Remember, it’s natural to feel more anxious at these moments, and it doesn’t mean you’re back to the starting point.
Rediscover normality
Few people can return to normal life after a traumatic event, so don’t worry. But gradually rediscovering your normality can help you move on. “Small steps, go back to your previous, normal” routine.
You may have lost confidence, so the best way to move forward is to rediscover it again under challenge and support.
This helps to reconfigure your brain, heal your mind, and can prevent or reduce depression,” Combs explained that returning to work may be a particularly important step for some people, and it is important to realize whether you need additional support at this stage.
Maggie’s center provides patients in this situation Courses and provides workplace cancer programs for employers.
If you have any specific questions, it is also worth talking to your employer, cancer team, or general practitioner based on your situation.
Seek additional help
In addition to anxiety, some cancer survivors also suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Although some symptoms, including feelings of helplessness and fear, may appear in similar ways, this is a separate condition that requires specialized treatment.
“If you experience flashbacks, avoidance, or places or people that remind you of illness, emotional numbness, constant anger, constant fear, nightmares or guilt and/or despair, then seek help with post-traumatic stress disorder,” Qom Si suggested.
Remember, anxiety after cancer is a normal human response to traumatic situations. But by asking for help and discussing your fears, you can start to move forward.