Tips for managing emotional health

Cancer patients should have reasonable expectations for their life after treatment, while their family and friends should also manage their own expectations to avoid putting excessive psychological pressure on the patient as well as themselves.

Besides, patients need time to adjust to their life after cancer treatment and adapt to their changes in their self and their identity in the family. For example, cancer survivors may not be able to deal with physically demanding housework, like cleaning and cooking, which may require assistance from their family members. Therefore, patients should allow enough time for themselves as well as people around them to adapt to the new life and adjust their expectations. Patients are highly recommended to open up to the people around them, talk about their needs and feelings, and let people understand their difficulties, which is beneficial to the mental health of both patients and people around them.

Cancer patients may experience negative emotions caused by the disease or treatment. In fact, keeping a positive attitude can be very helpful to their recovery. Therefore, patients are recommended to express and manage their emotions by:

• Talking to family members and caregivers to support each other.
• Facing their emotions and talking to people around them during times of anxiety and fear, without blaming themselves nor others.
• Participating in mutual support groups and sharing their experiences throughout the cancer journey, which can help yourself by helping others.
• Getting spiritual support through prayer, meditation or other means.
• Taking a deep breath and doing relaxing exercises such as yoga.
• Considering consulting the medical team for counselling and referral if needed.