Cancer can be a very scary word. As common as it is, the word suddenly takes on new meaning when it applies to you, and coping with the physical and emotional aspects of treatment can place a lot of stress on your mental health, affecting your mood, your relationships, and even your physical well-being.
If you have been diagnosed with cancer, in addition to making sure you are getting treatment for your body, it is essential to pay attention to your mental health. At a cancer care facility like Beacon Clinic, we strive to provide comprehensive support to our patients, ensuring that a cancer diagnosis and course of treatment adequately address every aspect of that patient’s well-being. Here are some tips to boost your mental health during your cancer journey.
- Lean on Your Support
One of the most critical things that cancer patients need to have when experiencing the effects of cancer and its treatment is a support group. These take a toll on you physically and emotionally. You should not try to cope on your own.
Your support group is likely a mix of family and friends, and it can also include your caregivers and even fellow cancer patients. These people care for you and, as you go through this difficult time, take advantage of their presence and call on them when you need their support and strength. Do not feel that you are imposing on them – instead, recognize that they want to help, just as you would if the positions were reversed. When you’re having a hard day, reach out to your support group and discuss your feelings, even if they include doubt or discouragement. It may not be easy at first, but you will soon realize that sharing your feelings can help you process them better and put them in perspective. Your feelings are normal and natural, and you should share your feelings to maintain your mental equilibrium. At Beacon Clinic, our team is always ready to offer emotional support during treatment.
- Eat Well
Eating right isn’t just about helping your body fight off cancer, though that is a huge component. What you put into your body affects all aspects of your health, including your mental health. Food is a necessary curative, giving your body the nutrients it needs to remain strong and to keep your different organs and systems functioning as well as possible. A healthful diet can significantly influence your mental outlook.
At Beacon Clinic, our supportive services include nutritional counseling. If you’re concerned about any areas of your diet, we can help by advising what foods are best for your body and mind, how frequently you need to eat during the day, and what foods you should avoid.
- Stay Active
Yes, it’s difficult to stay physically active when you’re sick and feeling fatigued, especially with something as serious as cancer. Quite apart from the disease, many cancer treatments can take a toll on your body. But overcoming these setbacks and engaging in physical activities is not just a boon to your physical health; it can provide great mental solace and satisfaction.
Physical exercise stimulates your brain to release endorphins, also known as “feel-good” hormones. The release of endorphins can help stave off feelings of depression and anxiety, providing you with an overall sense of well-being. Getting regular exercise can also help combat the fatigue that comes with cancer treatments.
- Do the Things You Love
Cancer often comes hand-in-hand with depression, and depression is demotivating. When you are depressed, you avoid doing things that you used to enjoy doing. When you continually feed the depression, it causes a downward spiral that can leave you feeling hopeless. As difficult as it is, force yourself to do some of the things you know you enjoy, even if it may be difficult. Enlist your family and friends to encourage you by inviting a friend to lunch or setting up a movie date. Whether going for a walk on a sunny day, sitting down to work on a craft, or reading your favorite books, doing what you love will dramatically affect your mental health and remind you of what’s important. Being isolated and sedentary is counterproductive. It gives you too much time to wallow in your difficulties. Distractions, in this case, help improve your mental state.
At Beacon Clinic, our cancer care team is there to help you with every aspect of your cancer, from coordinating care plans to helping you figure out what your insurance plan covers. We know that dealing with cancer will affect every aspect of your life, but you can get through it with support and help. We aim to encourage you to look after yourself and to support your caregivers so that you can come out of your cancer battle stronger, fortified by knowing that you can overcome even the most difficult challenges.
If you have been diagnosed with cancer, contact Beacon Clinic. We offer comprehensive cancer care services to patients with various types of cancer, assisting them with developing treatment plans and support services and offering many cancer treatments in-house. If you are looking for a clinic that can provide holistic care for every aspect of your life throughout your cancer journey, Beacon Clinic is here for you.
