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Cancer affects more than your physical health. Be sure to address the emotional impact it can have at every stage of your cancer journey.

When you’re diagnosed with cancer, you may be aware of its physical effects. Less familiar are its psychological and emotional challenges. Part of living with cancer is learning to manage distress, anxiety and depression — during and even after your cancer journey.

Uncertain outcomes, physical changes from treatment, adjusting to life after cancer and risk of recurrence — they’re all new, and your response might be to feel distressed, sad or anxious. And sometimes there’s no obvious cause. You may just feel down for no particular reason. 

“Recovering from cancer isn’t just about your body, but it’s also about healing your mind,” says Nicholas Tworek, PsyD, a psychologist specializing in cancer care at Geisinger. “Finding a support network of family and friends, other survivors or health professionals during this time is important. Many people are facing similar challenges, too, and no one should have to confront them alone.”

Emotional responses to cancer

While everyone’s cancer journey is different, many patients with cancer, as well as survivors, share these common psychological and social reactions:

  • Grief and depression: Cancer treatment can affect your health, sex drive, fertility and physical independence — and it's normal to feel strong emotions about it. Many people feel grief and depression at the loss of their normal pre-cancer lifestyle, changes in their physical appearance or the impact of treatment on their overall well-being.
  • Relationship distress: Friends, coworkers and even family members might treat you differently after a cancer diagnosis. They may not know what to say or try to avoid you or the subject of cancer because they’re uncomfortable. You might feel isolated or misunderstood, while loved ones may not give you adequate support.
  • Fear of recurrence: Even after successful treatment, it’s only natural to wonder if your cancer might return. Specific anniversaries, follow-up visits or other events can trigger these concerns and uncertainty about the future.
  • Survivor’s guilt: If you are a survivor, you may wonder why you lived when others didn’t — especially if you made (and lost) friends during your cancer journey.
  • Body image distress: Having an amputation, scarring, weight changes, hair loss or a change in physical function can affect your self-esteem, which in turn can dampen your desire for intimacy and social interaction.

Depression after cancer: When to seek professional help

If you have any of the following symptoms, it may be time to reach out for help:

  • Depression or consistent low mood
  • Anxiety or excessive worry
  • Persistent sadness or hopelessness
  • Loss of interest in activities once enjoyed
  • Irritability and agitation
  • Difficulty concentrating
  • Changes in eating and sleeping habits
  • Fatigue and low energy levels
  • Increased substance use
  • Suicidal thoughts or behaviors

“At any stage of your cancer journey, it’s natural to have bad days where you feel sad or anxious,” says Dr. Tworek. “However, depression is more than feeling down for a few days. Depression is a medical illness that interferes with daily functioning and requires treatment.”

Addressing mental health concerns after a cancer diagnosis

Dr. Tworek offers six coping strategies to improve your overall well-being while you navigate this difficult time. You didn’t face cancer treatment alone, and you don’t have to confront mental health challenges alone either, he says.

Try talk therapy

Professional therapists and counselors are trained to provide support and guidance, offering valuable strategies for managing depression and other emotional challenges. They can help you develop personalized coping mechanisms, while providing you a safe space to express your thoughts and feelings to relieve some of the stress and anxiety.

“They also can determine whether medication is necessary to treat your condition,” says Dr. Tworek. “If that’s the case, they can refer you to a psychiatrist or consult with your primary care provider for a formal evaluation.”

Join a support group

Connecting with others — whether online or in your community — who have cancer can provide a sense of understanding and empathy. You can share stories, gain insights, find hope and learn coping strategies from people who have faced or are facing similar diagnoses.

Build your support network

Staying in touch with family and friends, other survivors or health professionals provides emotional support, companionship and a sense of belonging. Regular communication, sharing experiences and seeking help when needed can contribute to a healthier mental state.

Take care of your physical health

As the adage goes: strong bodies, strong minds. Your physical health is directly linked to your mental health. While regular exercise, eating right and getting enough sleep are key to physical wellness, they’re also vital for mental wellness.

Exercise releases endorphins, which are natural mood enhancers and stress relievers. Incorporating activities like walking, yoga or swimming into your daily routine can help reduce symptoms of anxiety or depression after cancer and improve your overall well-being.

“Eating a healthy diet with plenty of fruits, vegetables and whole grains and getting a good night’s rest each night can help you think clearly, improve concentration, and better cope with your emotions and whatever challenges the day throws at you,” adds Dr. Tworek.

Keep a journal

Writing down thoughts, feelings and experiences can help you process emotions and provide a sense of relief and clarity. It lets you reflect on your progress, identify triggers and track your emotional well-being over time.

Incorporate relaxation techniques

Relaxation techniques like yoga, meditation, tai chi and deep-breathing exercises refocus your attention on something calming and help your body achieve its relaxation response — the opposite of its stress response. Practicing relaxation daily can reduce stress, restore energy and improve your mental state.

“The important thing to remember is: Depression or other emotional struggles after a cancer diagnosis are typical responses, and nothing to be ashamed of,” says Dr. Tworek. “Keep an open mind and try different strategies to find what works best for you to get back on your feet. There is no one way to confront these mental health challenges, which might show up early on or years later.”

Next steps:

Learn about cancer care at Geisinger
Learn about behavioral health at Geisinger
What does it mean to be in remission?
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