Page 79 - LIVESTRONG Digital Guidebook
P. 79
“I think that you are emotionally changed by any of these —ANN F.
kinds of experiences as a human being and in your daily life.”
Talk with your health care team about what Ask your health care team questions that will
you are experiencing. A referral to a social worker or help you find emotional support such as:
licensed counselor may help you to identify steps to
lessen stress. Share your feelings with a trusted loved • How can I talk with my loved ones about what
one or friend. If you feel that you have concerns about I am feeling?
faith or spiritual issues, a clergyperson or member of
a faith-based organization may be able to help. • Can my cancer treatment contribute to
emotional side effects?
Many individuals find comfort in talking with
others who have gone through a similar experience. • How can I find other cancer survivors to talk with?
Consider asking your health care team to help you • What can be done to help me feel more
find an in-person or online support group of cancer
survivors. Keep in mind that each support group is balanced emotionally?
different. You may have to try a few of them to find • What can be done to treat the symptoms
the one that best meets your needs.
I am experiencing?
• Who can help me deal with my feelings?
SERIOUS EMOTIONAL REACTIONS and professionals. There are many cancer support
resources to assist you. You do not have to deal with
Some emotional reactions can be overwhelming. If cancer alone.
you think that stress has become emotional distress,
seek the help of your medical team right away. This is Support often comes from members of the health
especially true if you think about hurting yourself or care team such as an oncology social worker or a
someone else. patient navigator. Your health care provider might sug-
gest a support group for you or your loved ones.
Contact your physician, nurse or social worker
and tell them how you are feeling. A loved one, care- Support groups can allow people who are affected
giver or friend may be able to give you emotional by cancer to share common experiences. These groups
support until you can get medical help. also provide a chance to learn new ways to deal with
problems. Some cancer programs offer support groups
There can be different reasons for some emo- for cancer survivors and their loved ones right in the clinic
tions such as depression or anxiety. For example, or hospital. There are also support groups for caregivers.
certain medications can cause depression or suicidal
thoughts in some people. If this could be happening Nonprofit cancer organizations offer many types
to you, contact your health care provider and phar- of support. They can refer you to the right local and
macist immediately. national resources including support groups and
peer-to-peer support.
In some cases, there may be a need to change
your medication. You may also need the support of a Find out more about support
counselor. If you cannot reach your health care pro- that is available in your area:
vider, call 911 or go to a hospital emergency room.
It is important to treat serious emotional distress as Ask members of your health care team to help
quickly as possible. you find a counselor or support group.
FINDING SUPPORT Contact free programs through nonprofit
cancer organizations such as the Foundation’s
An important part of healing is finding the support cancer navigation services. Call toll-free at
you need. Many patients and caregivers find comfort 855.220.7777 or go to LIVESTRONG.org/
in talking with others who are familiar with the cancer CancerSupport.
journey. Support can come from loved ones, friends
www.LIVESTRONG.org/WeCanHelp A : D U R I N G T R E AT M E N T T R E AT M E N T C O N C E R N S 79
