Receiving a diagnosis of a life-threatening illness like cancer can change your life within seconds. While medical teams focus on the treatment options, a parallel and invisible illness can manifest in many cancer patients. A 2019 Canadian study showed that the prevalence of major depression and generalized anxiety disorder in people living with cancer is almost double that of the general population. Additional mental health problems in cancer patients include adjustment disorder, panic disorder and post-traumatic stress disorder. Cancer affects your mental health, yet fewer than 10% seek help for it.
Populations at Risk
Some people are at higher risk of developing comorbidities of cancer and mental health disorders. These include immigrants, refugees, racialized communities, First Nations, Inuit and Métis individuals, as well as those in the 2SLGBTQ+ community. While more studies are needed to determine why, one can guess that contributing factors include linguistic barriers, income levels, lack of family and social support, and limited access to publicly funded mental health resources. In addition, the stigma of cancer and mental health problems keeps some from seeking support. Acknowledging this need is not a sign of weakness, but a proactive step towards managing your mental health.
Links Between Mental and Physical Health
Prioritizing your mental health care as an integral part of your cancer treatment can offer numerous benefits. We now have ample evidence indicating how our bodies and minds support each other. A healthy body promotes mental wellness, and robust emotional well-being can boost the immune system, lower blood pressure, and offer resilience to stressors. Focusing on your mental wellness from the outset can help you develop resilience and willpower to stay motivated throughout your treatment. A positive mood and outlook can positively impact your tolerance for pain and suffering, giving you hope and optimism for your journey.
Seeking support for your mental wellness through your cancer journey is not just a nice-to-have. It can be crucial for the best possible outcome. A study conducted by the National Cancer Institute in 2020 linked mental health treatment to improved survival in 50,000 lung cancer patients.
Cancer and Types of Mental Health Distress
Your Cancer continuum will include screening, diagnosis, treatment, survival and/or palliative and end-of-life care. Each phase brings unique emotional challenges that deserve compassionate attention.
Cancer screening can trigger anticipatory anxiety, sleep disturbance, fear and even anger about your family medical history. A diagnosis can be overwhelming, with shock, disbelief, and depression, accompanied by fear of the unknown. For some types of cancer (e.g., lung cancer), self-blame can spin you off on a tangent that leads to unhelpful thoughts and behaviour. Additionally, employment changes, loss of income, and caring for young children can significantly impact families.
During the treatment phase, your physical side effects can bring emotional fatigue and depression. Weight gain and hair loss can alter your appearance and impact your self-esteem. When cancer survivors process what they have endured, many struggle with the anxiety of a recurrence. Palliative and end-of-life care prominently includes feelings of grief, existential questions, and concerns for loved ones.
Psychotherapy Treatment When Cancer Affects Your Mental Health
Psychotherapy provides empathetic support to help you move through each stage of your cancer journey. A therapist trained in caring for people with long-term and chronic illnesses can tailor numerous evidence-based mental health therapies to suit your situation. Examples include mindfulness meditation to help you live in the moment. Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) provides skills to replace unhelpful thought patterns with effective coping strategies. Relaxation techniques can help you achieve a better night’s rest and sleep. Your therapist can also help with spirituality and processing the deep grief that can arise in cancer patients in palliative care.
Cancer can affect the mental health of your family members and loved ones. Supportive family counselling can help individuals better understand their emotions. They can learn how to strengthen coping mechanisms and access hope. This form of counselling can also foster a sense of connection and understanding within the family, making the journey more bearable.
Your therapist can also direct you to resources for social support available through wellness centers with programs for people and families impacted by cancer. At Shanti Psychotherapy, we have several experienced therapists to support you through cancer. Our multicultural and multilingual team brings confidentiality, compassion and culturally relevant care. If you or someone you know is struggling with a cancer diagnosis, don’t hesitate to get in touch with us.
