Cancer Affects Your Mental Health, Too.

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Cancer affects your mental health, too | Shanti Psychotherapy

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.

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Feeling drained or unmotivated lately? You might be experiencing burnout. 💭 Here are a few gentle check-in questions to help you tune into what your mind and body might be telling you:

✨ Are you holding tension in places like your shoulders or stomach?
✨ Have you stopped prioritizing things that bring you joy?
✨ Are you neglecting parts of yourself that truly matter?
Burnout can creep in quietly—but you don’t have to navigate it alone.

Feel free to reach out for support or therapy. You deserve care, too. 💛

You can find lots of resources for support on our blog, which you can access on our website using the link in our bio.

#BurnoutSupport #TherapyIsForEveryone #SelfCompassion #southasiantherapy #mentalhealthmatters #torontotherapy #southasiantherapist #southasianmentalhealth #mentalhealthawareness

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Open post by shanti_psychotherapy with ID 17853111282399401
Feeling drained or unmotivated lately? You might be experiencing burnout. 💭 Here are a few gentle check-in questions to help you tune into what your mind and body might be telling you:✨ Are you holding tension in places like your shoulders or stomach?
✨ Have you stopped prioritizing things that bring you joy?
✨ Are you neglecting parts of yourself that truly matter? Burnout can creep in quietly—but you don’t have to navigate it alone.Feel free to reach out for support or therapy. You deserve care, too. 💛You can find lots of resources for support on our blog, which you can access on our website using the link in our bio.#BurnoutSupport #TherapyIsForEveryone #SelfCompassion #southasiantherapy #mentalhealthmatters #torontotherapy #southasiantherapist #southasianmentalhealth #mentalhealthawareness

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Join us for at THRIVE 2025 for a Healing from Intergenerational Trauma Workshop: The Socialization of the “Good Girl” in South Asian Women and Girls.

A full day event dedicated to unpacking cultural narratives, fostering self-awareness, and supporting healing within our communities, including a workshop facilitated by us at Shanti Psychotherapy.

📅 May 25th | 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
🎙 Workshop facilitated by Angie Agrawal Holstein, Rohama Kabeer, and Rashmi Kumar.
🔗 Tickets available via the link in our bio

This event is hosted by @sawcollective_canada & @laadliyan , and we at Shanti Psychotherapy are excited to be part of it.

We invite South Asian women and girls to explore the roots of intergenerational patterns and connect in a space of growth and reflection. Let’s break cycles and build new legacies together. 💜

#IntergenerationalHealing #SouthAsianMentalHealth #GoodGirlSyndrome #CulturalHealing #TraumaInformedCare #SouthAsianTherapist #SouthAsianMentalHealth

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Open post by shanti_psychotherapy with ID 18064968314075233
Join us for at THRIVE 2025 for a Healing from Intergenerational Trauma Workshop: The Socialization of the “Good Girl” in South Asian Women and Girls.A full day event dedicated to unpacking cultural narratives, fostering self-awareness, and supporting healing within our communities, including a workshop facilitated by us at Shanti Psychotherapy.📅 May 25th | 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
🎙 Workshop facilitated by Angie Agrawal Holstein, Rohama Kabeer, and Rashmi Kumar.
🔗 Tickets available via the link in our bioThis event is hosted by @sawcollective_canada & @laadliyan , and we at Shanti Psychotherapy are excited to be part of it.We invite South Asian women and girls to explore the roots of intergenerational patterns and connect in a space of growth and reflection. Let’s break cycles and build new legacies together. 💜#IntergenerationalHealing #SouthAsianMentalHealth #GoodGirlSyndrome #CulturalHealing #TraumaInformedCare #SouthAsianTherapist #SouthAsianMentalHealth

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We’re growing to serve you better!

We’re pleased to announce that Shanti Psychotherapy is now offering sessions at our satellite office in Etobicoke. If you or a loved one are seeking support, we invite you to reach out and book a free consultation. We’re here to walk alongside you in your healing journey. 🌿

#EtobicokeTherapist #PsychotherapySupport #CompassionateCare #SouthAsianTherapist #bipoctherapy

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Open post by shanti_psychotherapy with ID 18278500321255804
We’re growing to serve you better!We’re pleased to announce that Shanti Psychotherapy is now offering sessions at our satellite office in Etobicoke. If you or a loved one are seeking support, we invite you to reach out and book a free consultation. We’re here to walk alongside you in your healing journey. 🌿#EtobicokeTherapist #PsychotherapySupport #CompassionateCare #SouthAsianTherapist #bipoctherapy

...

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Starting therapy can feel like a big step and it’s totally okay to feel a little nervous or unsure. The first session is really about getting to know each other and making sure you feel safe, seen, and supported.

We’ll talk about things like consent and confidentiality, what’s been bringing you to therapy, and what you’ve been struggling with lately. I’ll share how I work and we’ll explore how we can tailor the process to meet your needs. We might set a few gentle goals, and you’re always welcome to ask any questions that come up.

Think of it as laying the foundation for a space where you can feel heard, supported, and empowered, at your pace, and on your terms.

#TherapyJourney #FirstSessionSupport #MentalHealthMatters #CompassionateCare #HealingStartsHere #TorontoPsychotherapy #GroupTherapy #SouthAsianTherapist

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Open post by shanti_psychotherapy with ID 17965782551871040
Starting therapy can feel like a big step and it’s totally okay to feel a little nervous or unsure. The first session is really about getting to know each other and making sure you feel safe, seen, and supported.We’ll talk about things like consent and confidentiality, what’s been bringing you to therapy, and what you’ve been struggling with lately. I’ll share how I work and we’ll explore how we can tailor the process to meet your needs. We might set a few gentle goals, and you’re always welcome to ask any questions that come up.Think of it as laying the foundation for a space where you can feel heard, supported, and empowered, at your pace, and on your terms.#TherapyJourney #FirstSessionSupport #MentalHealthMatters #CompassionateCare #HealingStartsHere #TorontoPsychotherapy #GroupTherapy #SouthAsianTherapist

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April is Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Month, and we’re celebrating the heart and strength of Registered Psychotherapists.

Thank you for holding space, guiding growth, and helping countless individuals find their way. Your work matters—today and every day.

#CounsellingMonth #RegisteredPsychotherapists #MentalHealthMatters #ThankYouTherapists

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Open post by shanti_psychotherapy with ID 18064603990975607
April is Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Month, and we’re celebrating the heart and strength of Registered Psychotherapists.Thank you for holding space, guiding growth, and helping countless individuals find their way. Your work matters—today and every day.#CounsellingMonth #RegisteredPsychotherapists #MentalHealthMatters #ThankYouTherapists

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Trauma doesn’t always announce itself loudly.

Sometimes, it whispers through anxiety, guilt, sleepless nights, physical tension, or conflict in relationships.

These signs might feel “normal” if you’ve lived with them for a long time, but they could be your body and mind asking for care and healing.

At Shanti Psychotherapy, we understand that trauma can show up in many forms, especially for those navigating complex identities, immigration experiences, or family dynamics that carry unspoken pain.

We’re here to support you in making sense of your story, reconnecting with your strength, and finding new ways to cope, at your own pace, with compassion.

💬 Therapy can help with:
✨ Processing past experiences
✨ Managing anxiety, guilt, and irritability
✨ Improving sleep and physical well-being
✨ Navigating family and relationship challenges
✨ Rebuilding your sense of self-worth

You don’t have to carry it all alone.

📅 We offer a free 20-minute consultation to explore if therapy feels like the right step. Click the link in our bio to book or learn more. 

#TraumaHealing #TherapySupport #MentalHealthMatters #ShantiPsychotherapy #SouthAsianTherapist #BIPOCHealing #YouAreNotAlone

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Open post by shanti_psychotherapy with ID 17963316740903427
Trauma doesn’t always announce itself loudly. 
Sometimes, it whispers through anxiety, guilt, sleepless nights, physical tension, or conflict in relationships.These signs might feel “normal” if you’ve lived with them for a long time, but they could be your body and mind asking for care and healing.At Shanti Psychotherapy, we understand that trauma can show up in many forms, especially for those navigating complex identities, immigration experiences, or family dynamics that carry unspoken pain.We’re here to support you in making sense of your story, reconnecting with your strength, and finding new ways to cope, at your own pace, with compassion.💬 Therapy can help with:
✨ Processing past experiences
✨ Managing anxiety, guilt, and irritability
✨ Improving sleep and physical well-being
✨ Navigating family and relationship challenges
✨ Rebuilding your sense of self-worthYou don’t have to carry it all alone. 
📅 We offer a free 20-minute consultation to explore if therapy feels like the right step. Click the link in our bio to book or learn more. 
 #TraumaHealing #TherapySupport #MentalHealthMatters #ShantiPsychotherapy #SouthAsianTherapist #BIPOCHealing #YouAreNotAlone

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I recently had the opportunity to participate with the @globalnews important feature, in response to the Auditor General’s report calling for urgent reform in Ontario’s youth mental health system. This is not new knowledge and continues to be a longstanding issue that we all need to attend to.

I’ll say yes to any opportunity that amplifies the need for prevention, equity, education, and early intervention!

My message was simple: we cannot keep working in silos!
Mental health services alone are not enough.
Our youth will only thrive when systems—schools, families, health care, housing, education, and community supports—are resourced and working together.

That means supporting schools and our teachers.
That means addressing food, housing and income insecurity.
That means embedding equity into every part of our response.

Youth mental health is not just a clinical issue.
It’s a systems issue. A justice issue. A human issue.

Let’s listen to the call—and do better.
For our youth, for their families, and for the future we’re all part of shaping!

https://lnkd.in/gnGv-Shw

#YouthMentalHealth #SystemsChange #AuditorGeneral #MentalHealthMatters #PreventionFirst #ShantiPsychotherapy #EquityInAction #CommunityCare

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Open post by shanti_psychotherapy with ID 18069147082916274
I recently had the opportunity to participate with the @globalnews important feature, in response to the Auditor General’s report calling for urgent reform in Ontario’s youth mental health system. This is not new knowledge and continues to be a longstanding issue that we all need to attend to.I’ll say yes to any opportunity that amplifies the need for prevention, equity, education, and early intervention!My message was simple: we cannot keep working in silos! Mental health services alone are not enough. Our youth will only thrive when systems—schools, families, health care, housing, education, and community supports—are resourced and working together.That means supporting schools and our teachers. That means addressing food, housing and income insecurity. That means embedding equity into every part of our response.Youth mental health is not just a clinical issue. It’s a systems issue. A justice issue. A human issue.Let’s listen to the call—and do better. For our youth, for their families, and for the future we’re all part of shaping!https://lnkd.in/gnGv-Shw#YouthMentalHealth #SystemsChange #AuditorGeneral #MentalHealthMatters #PreventionFirst #ShantiPsychotherapy #EquityInAction #CommunityCare

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