Supporting your emotional health

The changes that you and your loved ones experience during this time are huge adjustments. Be patient with yourself as you experience the highs and lows that come along with this journey. Allow yourself to feel the spectrum of emotions that naturally come with your condition. There is no right or wrong way to feel. Don’t judge yourself for your feelings. No matter what, practice self-compassion by accepting each and every part of who you are each day and prioritizing your self-care.

American Cancer Society offers the following tips to support your emotional health. For more information, visit cancer.gov/about-cancer/coping/feelings.

Express Your Feelings:

People have found that when they express strong feelings like anger or sadness, they’re more able to let go of them. Some sort out their feelings by talking to friends or family, other cancer survivors, a support group, or a counselor. You can also work through your feelings by thinking about them or writing them down.

Look for the Positive:

Try to use your energy to focus on wellness and what you can do now to stay as healthy as possible.

Don’t Blame Yourself for Your Cancer:

Some people believe that they got cancer because of something they did or did not do. But scientists don’t know why one person gets cancer and one person doesn’t. Cancer can happen to anyone.

Don’t Try to Be Upbeat If You’re Not:

Many people say they want to have the freedom to give in to their feelings sometimes. As one woman said, “When it gets really bad, I just tell my family I’m having a bad cancer day and go upstairs and crawl into bed.”

You Choose When to Talk about Your Cancer:

It can be hard for people to know how to talk to you about your cancer. You can make them feel more at ease by asking them what they think or how they feel.

Find Ways to Help Yourself Relax:

Take time for any activity that helps you unwind. Meditation, guided imagery, and relaxation exercises are just a few options.

Be as Active as You Can:

Getting out of the house and doing something can help you focus on other things besides cancer and the worries it brings. Exercise or gentle yoga and stretching can help too.

Look at What You Can Control:

Some people say that putting their lives in order helps, including establishing a regular routine.