The toll a cancer diagnosis takes on a patient and their loved ones is not only physical, but mental, too. Feelings of anxiety, sadness, depression and despair are common among newly diagnosed patients. In fact, studies have linked a history of mental illness with an increase in cancer-related mortality in the United States.
There is still hope, however. A variety of mental health services are available for cancer patients and caregivers in emotional distress.
Mental Health Issues of Cancer Patients
The hours, days and even months after an initial cancer diagnosis can be a very distressing time for patients and their loved ones.
“Cancer is not just a physical illness, but has a significant emotional and psychological impact,” said Patsy Astarita, LCSW-C, OSW-C, APHSW-C, manager, supportive care and community services at the Kaufman Cancer Center at the University of Maryland Upper Chesapeake Medical Center, part of the University of Maryland Cancer Network. “One-third of people with cancer also have common mental health conditions—some preexisting and some resulting from their experiences with cancer.”
Common emotional symptoms associated with a cancer diagnosis include:
- A sense of shock
- Fear of the unknown
- Loss of sense of control
- Concern over becoming a dependent
- Fear of being unable to meet daily obligations, such as caring for children or elderly parents.
- Feelings of “financial toxicity”—a term used to describe the negative feelings about the financial impact of having cancer
- Generalized anxiety and sadness that can lead to depression and despair
Coping Strategies for Patients
While the initial shock of a cancer diagnosis can take a significant toll on a patient’s mental health, there are resources and strategies available.
“Experiencing mental health concerns and uncomfortable emotions during cancer and beyond cancer treatment is common,” Astarita said. “Let your health care team know how you are feeling so they can provide you the needed support and additional resources to discover new skills or tools and to seek more focused treatment if needed.”
While it is crucial to communicate with your health care team about your mental health experience, there are also strategies patients can employ at home.
“Take inventory of your personal resources and coping skills,” Astarita said. “Recall past experiences or a time in your life which may have been very difficult. Think about what you got you through that time and who helped you through it. Likely those things will help you get through cancer.”
In addition to clinical and at-home care strategies, it may be helpful for cancer patients to seek help in the community.
“Consider joining a support group,” Astarita said. “There are many online that are professionally facilitated and create a safe space for those experiencing cancer to share their common experiences and support one another.”
Strategies for Caregivers
A cancer diagnosis is not only difficult for patients, but also for cancer patient caregivers as well.
“Caregivers often experience many of the same emotions that the patient experiences,” Astarita said. “In addition, they may experience guilt that it’s not themselves receiving the diagnosis and a sense of feeling overwhelmed with shifting responsibilities.”
Caregivers are often torn between taking on household responsibilities, maintaining employment and trying to provide support for their loved one. Caregivers often feel hesitant to share their own emotional struggles and run the risk of breaking down mentally and emotionally over time.
However, there are healthy coping strategies available for caregivers facing emotional challenges.
“First take care of yourself—make sure you are eating and sleeping and managing your own emotions,” Astarita said. “Recognize your limitations. You can’t do it all. Ask for help from other family and friends. Seek counseling or professional assistance if you find you are not coping well or have little to no support.”
When it comes to providing emotional support to loved ones, “Have a positive attitude toward and be an advocate for your loved one, and listen carefully,” Astarita said. “Do not give reassurances that you know nothing about. It’s more helpful to listen.
“When attending doctors’ appointments, be an extra set of ears and take notes. Let your loved one ask their questions first, and ask them if it’s okay to ask questions, too.”
Mental Health Treatment and Prognosis
Seeking mental health treatment to cope with the emotional impact of a cancer diagnosis can go a long way toward managing stress, mitigating risky behaviors (such as smoking and drinking alcohol) and encouraging an active lifestyle. Additionally, cancer patients can benefit from therapeutic practices such as mindfulness meditation and certain prescription medications that focus on managing depression and anxiety.
“Cancer impacts the entire family in many ways—physically, emotionally, financially, socially,” Astarita said. “Human connection during this time is very important. Isolation can lead to sadness, hopelessness and despair. Kindness can make a difference and offering to help can go a long way.”
The UM Cancer Network Can Help
Led by the University of Maryland Marlene and Stewart Greenebaum Comprehensive Cancer Center (UMGCCC), one of the nation’s NCI-designated Comprehensive Cancer Centers, the UM Cancer Network offers patients across Maryland access to the wide array of resources that an academic medical center has to offer — all close to home. This includes UMGCCC’s nationally renowned experts, technologies and other forms of support like cancer survivorship resources.
