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Dealing with the Psychological trauma of being diagnosed with Cancer

Overview:

Cancer is a disease which leads to the uncontrollable division of abnormal cells that goes on to destroy body tissue. But in essence, it affects you mentally as much as it does physically. A diagnosis of cancer starts as a long journey which not only affects your physical health but also takes a toll on your mental wellbeing and relationships with loved ones. Cancer could occur in any part of the body, the most common ones being breast cancer, lung cancer, prostate cancer, colorectal cancer and stomach cancer etc . According to Cancer.net, almost 1 in every 4 women who have been recently diagnosed with breast cancer experience traumatic stress. So, even though importance should be given to the physical aspect of treating cancer, in no way should you neglect the emotional issues that come with it.

Psychological trauma experienced due to Cancer:

Much similar to the phenomenon of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) that occurs after a person goes through major stress, trauma and life-threatening incidents; patients of cancer also experience something just as disturbing. A person’s financial, social as well as psychological conditions go through a major change due to cancer and cancer treatment. So, it is very important for you, as a patient to be open with your doctor and let them know exactly how you feel mentally and physically.

Symptoms of Psychological Effects of Cancer:

Experiencing cancer requires certain psychological adjustments. For the most part, people are able to adapt and adjust to it in their own way. But there are many people who cannot successfully navigate through this painful journey. It is normal for cancer patients to experience fear, anxiety and worry. But if these feelings stay and continue to get worse, it could develop into serious mental health comditions like depression. So, patients with less pronounced coping skills could experience symptoms like:

Anxiety
Loss of appetite
Dysphoric mood
Insomnia
Irritability
Intense fear or anger
Self-destructive feelings
Extreme sadness and hopelessness
Hallucinations
Extreme focus on the cancer experience

Causes of Psychological Impacts of Cancer:

Life-threatening illnesses like cancer have been seen to precipitate and elicit symptoms of traumatic stress. Psychological disturbances may be present throughout the cancer trajectory, but their frequency tends to be the greatest at certain points. Different emotions may occur at diagnosis, during advanced states, and could even occur after the cancer has been successfully treated. The factors may be anything from medical to patient-related to societal and cultural factors. The aspects of the cancer journey which could trigger stress are:

The diagnosis
Pain or other physical issues due to the cancer
Tests and treatments like chemotherapy
Side effects of treatments, like hair fall
Test results
Prolonged stays at the hospital
The fear of the return or recurrence of the cancer

Certain factors may put some cancer patients at a greater risk of developing psychological issues than others. These risk factors include:

People who have had PTSD or other mental health conditions in the past
People with coexisting health condition
People with economic burden of the expenditure for treatment
People who lack family support

Coping with Psychological Impacts of Cancer:

The World Health Organization has given the estimate that cancer rates could go up as much as to 15 million new cases in the upcoming year 2020. With advancements in medical facilities and cancer care, survival rates are improving. But with such elevated rates of cancer, relief from suffering has become an extremely important component of the journey. In addition to physical relief, patients also deserve to get their psychological symptoms and conditions treated. If left untreated, both medical and psychological morbidity will increase. Getting the proper treatment for their psychological trauma could help to enhance the quality of life led by cancer patients and survivors. Ways of treating the stress and trauma includes:

Learning more about the cancer. Accepting reality could help the disease seem less frightening and unknown.
Getting enough sleep and being well rested could help to reduce the stress.
Regular exercise helps to increase the production of endorphins in the body, which is a chemical that promotes good feelings.
Eating a healthy diet gives the body all the nutrients it needs.
Caffeine and nicotine should be avoided as these elevate stress levels.
Learning new things or practicing a new hobby helps to take the mind off anxious feelings.
Refraining from using alcohols or drugs to cope is essential.
Sharing feelings, discussing thoughts and freely communicating with friends and family help a lot.
Trying to surround oneself with as many supportive people as possible.
Joining support groups helps patients to meet other people who are in the same situation and manage anxiety, emotional gaps & side effects better.
Talking out anxiety issues with a doctor or a therapist also helps.
The doctor may prescribe certain medications like low doses of antidepressants, antipsychotic medications like olanzapine, and benzodiazepines to help treat cancer anxiety.
Complementary and holistic medicine techniques like aromatherapy could also help.
Guided imagery or visualization technique is used to make the patient imagine visuals, sounds, smells and other sensations to promote a feeling of well-being.
Hypnosis is used to help the patient into a state of calm, alert awareness and overcome their fear.
Patients are also suggested to record a journal or personal diary where they can write their emotions and set personal goals.
Massages and music therapy are also recommended to soothe the muscles and senses of patients when stressed.
Meditation, yoga and prayer may also help to unite the spirit and body which calms the mind, improves quality of life and reduces anxiety.

Conclusion:

The most important thing when you are dealing with the psychological trauma of cancer is to stay motivated and keep a harmonious mind. The doctor can help you as much as you let him, when it comes to anxiety and stress. Staying positive helps to alleviate physical pain to a certain extent and heal the body much faster.