Cancer and Mental Health
How does cancer affect you emotionally? When people say living with cancer is challenging, it is an understatement. Cancer is a disabling disease that affects both physical and mental health. Individuals diagnosed with cancer tend to develop depression or anxiety. Studies say that roughly around 25% of cancer patients fall into the depths of depression and other mental health disorders.
The lack of effective treatment makes it more difficult for cancer patients to cope. Moreover, only 5% of these individuals seek mental health professionals. This article will help in identifying mental health issues for people with cancer. We'll provide interesting facts and relevant information regarding cancer and mental health. In addition, we'll give you tips on how to live your life to the fullest while living with cancer.
So, if you're ready to learn the psychological effects of cancer and how to deal with it, let's jump into our discussion.
Mental Health for Cancer Patients
One of the most common mental disorders a person diagnosed with cancer can experience is depression. Anticipating grave losses due to the disease is more than some people can bare mentally. The negativity affects the individual with cancer and their family members too. An individual with cancer develops depressive symptoms that range from normal sadness to full-blown depression.
Disbelief is the initial reaction of a person diagnosed with cancer. It then turns into denial and despair. The level of stress and emotional upset worsen within the following days. Here are the syndromes to look out for in cancer and depression.
Dysthymia
You can recognize dysthymia in a person with cancer if they have more depressed moods than normal ones within two years. It is a chronic mental disorder that typically starts mild but progresses persistently.
Subsyndromal Depression
Although this mood disorder is a less severe form of depression, it should never be taken lightly. Cancer patients are more likely to develop an acute mood disorder after learning about their diagnosis.
These two syndromes are closely associated with individuals with cancer. As you can see, these symptoms have the potential to slowly affect a person's mental health silently. The result often leads to isolation, anxiety, and major depression.
Possible Causes of Depressive Symptoms
Here's a compilation of the possible causes why cancer patients fall into depression
- Anticipation of loss
- Dealing with unbearable pain
- Abnormal metabolic changes
- Sleep deprivation due to pain or medication
- Fever
- Anemia
- Sodium imbalance
- Potassium imbalance
- Adrenal insufficiency
- Hyperthyroidism
- Hypothyroidism
- Hypercalcemia
Medications can also induce adverse effects on mental health, such as
- Propranolol
- Reserpine
- Steroids
- Methyldopa
- Some types of antibiotics
- Some chemotherapeutic components
- Hormone therapy
A combination of the above causes induces depressive thoughts in people with cancer. Dealing with physical and mental pain can shake the foundations of people, even with the strongest will. Moreover, the negativity passes on to the family members and caretakers too. Mental health and cancer are connected in many ways.
How Cancer Affects Family Members
Looking at a loved one dealing with grief from cancer is never an easy emotion to overcome. The suffering becomes yours in more ways than one. Here's how cancer affects family members. Mental health impacts family relationships.
Spouses and Partners
Relationship Roles
The effects of cancer in couples vary from one case to another. Perhaps the most significant change is the relationship roles. The individuals who are always in charge could find themselves helpless. On the other hand, the submissive ones become caregivers. All parties involved need to adjust physically and mentally, which is never easy.
Responsibility Changes
Couples may find their responsibilities switched when one of them has cancer. Since cancer can be disabling, the daily chores are swapped. This situation can be challenging for both parties, primarily if both individuals are not used to the new task. Stress could lead to depressive thoughts.
Adult Family Members
Different family members react differently to a family member diagnosed with cancer. But one thing's for sure; your closeness will be affected.
Family Activities
Depending on the type of cancer and its severity, a family member may be unable to join family activities, especially during therapy, where rest is crucial for recovery. This situation creates a gap between the cancer patients and their family members. Both parties will experience a sense of loss and isolation.
Children
People with cancer may find it challenging to deal with their children's needs, especially the young ones. Children require physical and mental support, but it's hard to accomplish these when you have cancer. The result often leads to misunderstanding, stress, and emotional problems. It tarnishes the relationship between both parties.
Dealing with Cancer Diagnosis
Cancer is a life-threatening health condition that affects your mental health and relationships. Aside from medication, managing your mental health is key to a better lifestyle. Here are our tips on how to stay on top of cancer.
Acceptance
Accepting your medical condition is the beginning of healthier mental health. It eliminates disbelief and denial, which often leads to depression and anxiety.
Talk to a Health Professional
A medical professional can provide essential information to keep your physical and mental health in the best condition despite living with cancer.
Involve Your Family
Dealing with cancer knowing that your family members got your back is a very effective mental boost. It revitalizes your will to survive and strengthens your sense of security.
Support Groups
Talk to people with similar experiences. Sharing your challenges and best practices is good for your mental health. In addition, knowing that you are not alone relieves mental pressure. Cancer mental health support works wonders.
Switch to a Healthier Lifestyle
Start a healthier lifestyle by eating only healthy foods and light exercise. Foods rich in vitamins help speed up your recovery from cancer. What's more, exercising releases endorphins, a natural chemical in your brain that fights depression.
Manage Your Mental Health and Be at Your Best at All Times
Managing your mental health can help you face life's challenges, including cancer. A Center for Mental Wellness can help you cope efficiently. We offer one-on-one and group counseling sessions depending on what works for you best.
Dealing with cancer is never an easy task, physically and mentally. Know that we got your back every step of the way. Schedule your appointment today by calling by dialing (302) 647 1397.
