If you wish to improve the quality of your life and maximize the possibility of your recovery, it is important that you seek healthy, productive ways to decrease your distress and anxiety. Some things that might help include the following:
- Talk to your healthcare team; only you can describe the emotional distress you are feeling.
- Talk with family, friends, clergy or other people with cancer.
- If you prefer not to talk about your illness, express your thoughts in a journal.
- Rely on coping strategies that have been helpful in the past. You have managed many things in your life before cancer and you will continue to do so after cancer.
- Join a support group at a local Wellness Community center, online at The Wellness Community website or at a nearby hospital or community organization.
- Don’t blame yourself for your cancer or feel guilty if you don’t always have a positive attitude.
- Try relaxation, meditation, yoga, Tai Chi, or listening to music.
- Explore spiritual beliefs that have previously given you comfort.
- Keep physically active and exercise in moderation based upon what you were doing before diagnosis. If you have not been physically active, talk with your doctor about what might be good for you to do now. Even a walk around the block can do wonders to lift your spirits.
- Use the Internet wisely for chat rooms, support groups, and other information. Be aware that not all information on the Internet may be accurate or particularly helpful to your situation.
- Obtain professional help from a therapist experienced in working with cancer patients.
- Talk with your doctor or therapist about medication that can ease your depression or anxiety.
- Remember that there are now over 12 million cancer survivors in America.
- When you worry about side effects, feel pain, or have emotional distress, talk to your family, friends and healthcare team. There is no need to suffer silently, be positive all the time or pretend everything is all right. Cancer and its treatment bring profound challenges to you and your family. By taking charge of your treatment and the side effects you experience, you will improve the quality of your life and participate in your recovery.
- You are not alone – there are people who care who can help. Partner with your healthcare team. Seek out a support group or talk with other cancer patients and caregivers.
There is hope – and an entire community of cancer survivors and health professionals who stand ready to help you get the most out of your cancer treatment.
Relaxation/Visualization: This exercise will provide you with ways to balance your energy and increase your self-care techniques by teaching you how to focus and relax your mind and body. Below you can listen to a relaxation & guided imagery recording, with or without music.
Stress Management: In addition to relaxation/guided imagery sessions, the Cancer Support Community offers programs like mindfulness meditation, art therapy and journaling sessions during which participants learn how to practice important self-help procedures.
Exercise: the Cancer Support Community offers ongoing classes in gentle, appropriate movement techniques like yoga and Tai Chi conducted by qualified instructors. Yoga is a timeless breathing and stretching exercise that promotes health and serenity. T'ai Chi is a slow refined, graceful exercise that supports the breath and flow of energy while promoting a renewed sense of well-being, balance and energy.
Healing: the Cancer Support Community holds free seminars to educate people affected by cancer about different aspects to living well with cancer. One such seminar was "Journey to Wellness" held in November 2003. Listen below to Dr. Jeremy Geffen speak about the Seven Levels of Healing that he discovered during his life -- not only as a doctor but also as a caregiver to his father who lived with cancer.
Relaxation Exercise - With Music
Relaxation Exercise - Without Music
A Journey to Wellness: Seven Levels of Healing