Taking care of your mental health

Experiencing cancer firsthand may be the most difficult time in your life.

While you may not want to burden others with your illness, cancer is not something you should face on your own.

Know the signs of anxiety and depression

Having cancer will likely affect your daily routine, it may force you to pause school, work or other life goals, and cause you a great deal of worry for you and your loved ones. Be it anger, guilt, fear, sadness, stress or helplessness, don't ignore any of your feelings during this time. Once in a while over the course of your cancer experience it is understandable if you feel down or depressed.

If this feeling of depression continues for more than two weeks, it is a good idea to get help from a mental health professional. People who are depressed and have a serious illness are more likely to suffer worse symptoms of both the depression and the illness. There is some evidence that treating depression can result in a better outcome (prognosis) for the disease.

Coping with fear, anxiety and stress

“As a patient with young children it is very hard. I couldn’t talk to my spouse, because he was dealing with his own emotions and fears. And my brother and dad were so scared I would die, so they didn’t want to talk."

a blood cancer survivor

Connect with someone who’s been there

If you are feeling a sense of detachment or isolation even if you are surrounded by friends and family who care for you, connecting with someone who’s been through a blood cancer may give you the reassurance you need.

Peer Support Program Support Groups

Ways to feel better and take your mind off cancer

Whether you have experience creating art or not, these Mindfulness Art Making videos will show you how to find calm while you express yourself through art.