How to Help a Skin Cancer Patient Cope with Anxiety

Cancer is more than just a health problem. It is a total lifestyle changer. Cancer brings along an emotional roller-coaster where anxiety and stress coupled with uncertainty of what the future may bring. Skin cancer is a special case since it is the most visible of all cancers. It is affecting the largest organ in the body. In a 1988 Canadian study, fatigue and anxiety were reported by cancer patients calling a toll-free number. This is reinforced by a study that was published in 2002 by the journal of American Society of Clinical Oncology. Helping a skin cancer patient cope with anxiety can help ease the situation. Here are some tips on how to help against anxiety.

Help acknowledge the feelings

It is important that you are able to relay to the cancer patient that the anxious feeling is normal. Acknowledging the feelings can lead to better acceptance of the situation which can help an individual become more responsive to treatments. There are also worries about the side effects of the treatments and chemotherapy. Most often, cancer patients would feel alone and hopeless if they will survive the ordeal. Some patients would have anxieties about work and finances. Help them understand that the chance of survival would depend on how well the patient responds and cooperate with the treatment. In a study, it was found out that pessimism is an indicator of emotional morbidity.

Help them consider anti-anxiety medication

Some patients may refuse counselling for their anxiety. In this case ask them to ask their doctor for the use of medication. Distress and insomnia would be dominant as a patient goes through the rigors of coping with cancer. Medicines, according to the US National Cancer Institute may be combined with other therapies. The NCI said that antidepressants are useful for cancer patients that are having anxiety disorders. The NCI has a clinical trial that can help find medical solutions to the anxiety problems among cancer patients.

Help them understand that anxiety control is important

A study made by Stanford University is quite an eye-opener. In the study mice that had cancer impacted how they looked at their medical condition. Laboratory rats that were too anxious developed a more serious and invasive type of skin cancer. This means that cancer patients need to understand that controlling anxiety improves the risk. Friends like you can help deal with the feelings that a patient has. Help them feel that they are not alone and helpless. Cancer centers can also help manage the anxiety and deal with the feelings using different approaches, treatments and therapies. They are able to explain in depth the cause for the worry and how people around the patient can contribute for further help and support.

Help them improve sleep

Anxiety makes it difficult to sleep. The lack of sleep makes the anxiety worse. This is the reason why people with cancer should get enough sleep to counter anxiety disorders. The use of some meditation and relaxation techniques can help. Some herbs could also help such as chamomile. But, before engaging in any chemical solution to the anxiety problem it is best to clear it with a doctor first. There is a chance that some of the chemicals may have a contra-indication with the medication being used to treat the cancer.

Help them understand what is happening

The fear and negative thought causes the heart rate as well as the blood pressure to increase. The release of cortisol and adrenaline will bring in more energy. This is a natural response of the body. The problem is that anxiety can become a vicious cycle that may end up not getting any control over it. This may lead to complicated situations that may make the cancer worse.

Help them cope and adjust

Long-term coping mechanisms and adjustment should be the goal of the friends of cancer patients. There are plenty of coping mechanisms available. There is no band-aid solution to the problem. The idiosyncrasies of cancer patients will make it tricky to find the right anxiety coping mechanism right away. It is harder for the patient to locate the right one without your help.

Anxiety in cancer is real. It is not uncommon for people with cancer to suffer both with the physical pains and the mental turmoil. Cancer patients are likely to suffer from anxiety disorders. This is why adjusting to the emotional problems is part of coping with skin cancer.

About the Author:

Ryan Rivera used to suffer from anxiety and panic attacks.  He now shares his tips to his readers all his learned coping techniques for anxiety, stress, panic attacks and depression.  Please visit his Calm Clinic Twitter account for more helpful coping tips.