Friday, August 19, 2022 (HealthDay News) — Cancer isn’t just a physical battle, it’s also an emotional battle. The patient, survivor, and her loved ones experience grief and loss throughout the experience.
Gabriel Alvarez, a social worker at the Rutgers Cancer Institute in New Jersey, provided some tips to help patients and caregivers manage their emotions.
Alvarez, a certified grief counselor, noted that embracing big emotions becomes part of the process. will be
These emotions are common and natural reactions to difficult situations, Alvarez said in a Rutgers news release. Recognizing and accepting them is important for emotional health.
Patients and their caregivers should seek support when they need it, she said.
Share how you’re feeling, Alvarez advised. Talking to other people who have experienced the loss and talking to close friends and family can help. In-person or online cancer support groups can help you connect with others who have had similar experiences.
Be kind to yourself, Alvarez urged. Eat a nutritious diet and get enough sleep. Other forms of self-care include taking deep breaths, spending time in nature, taking warm baths, and expressing your feelings through art, music, or poetry.
And don’t hesitate to get more guidance from the experts if needed.
For more information
The American Cancer Society elaborates on mental health for cancer patients.
Source: Rutgers Cancer Institute, New Jersey, News Release, August 12, 2022