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.
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.
“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."
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.
Ways to feel better and take your mind off cancer
Writing or keeping a journal
Self-reflection journal
Journaling may have benefits for you no matter where you are in your cancer experience. It can help manage stress, solve problems more effectively, get …
Journaling and Mindfulness
Journaling may have benefits for you no matter where you are in your cancer experience. The practice can help manage stress, help you solve problems mor…
Art therapy
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.
Mindful Art Making 1: Watercolour
Part 1 of 3. Whether you have experience creating art or not, these Mindfulness Art Making videos will show you how to find calm while you express yours…
Mindful Art Making 2: Symbols with Acrylic Paint
Part 2 of 3. Whether you have experience creating art or not, these Mindfulness Art Making videos will show you how to find calm while you express yours…
Mindful Art Making 3: Blackout Poetry
Part 3 of 3. Whether you have experience creating art or not, these Mindfulness Art Making videos will show you how to find calm while you express yours…
Resources on mental health
Blood cancer and your emotions
Learn about the emotions people living with cancer commonly experience, understand the symptoms and know when to get help, and find strategies and resou…
You are not alone.
Know that the blood cancer community is here to support you every step of the way.