When nothing feels right after a cancer diagnosis – Psycho-oncology
When you’re diagnosed with cancer, it can feel like your life had turned upside down. Everyone will react in different ways. Unsurprisingly, up to 50% of cancer patients suffer with clinical levels of psychological distress throughout their cancer journey.
Cancer itself can cause a number of mental health challenges including;
- Anxiety which can include fear of the cancer coming back
- ‘Scan-xiety’ which is extreme stress while waiting for the results of a scan.
- Depression and sadness
- Chronic pain
- Body image concerns
- Fatigue
- Trouble sleeping
- Feelings of anger
- Relationship difficulties
- Persistent thoughts about death and dying
How can a psychologist help
Sometimes after a cancer diagnosis we need help in adjusting to a ‘new normal’. A psychologist can help you to navigate some of the thoughts and feelings you may be having after receiving a cancer diagnosis and can help teach you strategies on how best to manage these symptoms. This might include:
- Help manage your stress and anxiety
- Techniques to help you cope better with pain
- Assistance with sleep problems
- To navigate body changes which might include changes in the way you look, maybe changes in the way your brain works and changes to your sexuality
- Reducing distress around ongoing thoughts about the cancer coming back
- Help with communicating with the loved ones around you
- Adjusting to the change in your role at work or home
- Help with coming to terms with your cancer diagnosis
Here at Foundation Psychology we are here to help. We have psychologists who are experienced in working with people with cancer across all types and stages of the disease, from recently diagnosed, long term survivors or end of life care. Please get in contact with us to arrange an appointment.
