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Receiving a cancer diagnosis is one of the most challenging experiences anyone can go through, but it can be especially difficult for women. Cancer can have a significant emotional impact on a person's mental health and general quality of life in addition to its physical challenges. For Indian women receiving cancer treatment, it is especially important to attend to their emotional wellness because social and cultural expectations frequently contribute to their stress levels.
A person's emotional wellness includes a range of emotions, coping strategies, and support networks that help in navigating their mental health during difficult situations. Achieving emotional health can be a difficult road for women who have been diagnosed with cancer, but it is crucial for improving treatment outcomes and quality of life.
This comprehensive guide explores the emotional difficulties that women with cancer encounter, typical emotional problems, strategies for overcoming these difficulties, and the supportive role that online therapy can play.
Understanding Emotional Wellness for Women After a Cancer Diagnosis
1. The Emotional Impact of a Cancer Diagnosis
The emotional impact of a cancer diagnosis is profound and multifaceted. Women may experience a rollercoaster of emotions ranging from shock and disbelief to anger, sadness, and fear. The stress of managing the disease, the side effects of treatments, and concerns about the future can lead to significant emotional distress. In India, where family and society often expect a lot from women, these emotional challenges can be even harder to deal with.
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Shame and isolation can result from the stigma attached to cancer, especially breast and cervical cancers. A recent qualitative study on breast cancer patients found that social expectations of Indian women's roles as spouses, mothers, and caregivers lead to emotional breakdowns for these women (Fradelos et al., 2017).
Concerns that women may have include their roles in the home and in society, their capacity to carry out their obligations, and how their illness may affect their loved ones. In order to guarantee that women receive comprehensive treatment that promotes both their physical and mental health, it is important that these emotional components be addressed.
2. Common Types of Emotional Issues
a) Anxiety and Depression
Women who are diagnosed with cancer frequently experience anxiety and depression. Worry and sadness might linger for a long time due to treatment-related stress, fear of recurrence, and uncertainty about the future.
A study by Alwhaibi and others (2023) has found that there is a higher rate of depression in women with cancer as compared to men. As a result, female patients require extra care to recognize and treat early indicators of anxiety and/or depression. Constant exhaustion, frustration, disinterest in activities, irregular sleep patterns, and trouble concentrating are some of the symptoms that may appear.
b) Body Image and Self-Esteem Issues
Cancer treatments like radiation, chemotherapy, and surgery can have a big effect on how a woman feels about her body and how confident she is. A woman's self-perception can be affected by hair loss, weight fluctuations, and surgical scars, which can result in a decreased sense of femininity and attractiveness. This can be especially hard in places where how society accepts you and your self-worth are closely linked to how you look.
c) Fear of Recurrence
For many cancer survivors, there is always the dread of their cancer coming back. This concern can result in persistent worry about one's health, frequent medical check-ups, and hypervigilance about physical symptoms. This hypervigilant condition might cause disruptions to everyday activities and general health.
d) Relationship Strain
Relationships with spouses, family members, and friends may be strained by cancer. Women who encounter illness may feel guilty about the strain it puts on their loved ones or become frustrated if they don't feel like their illness is being understood or supported. Breakdowns in communication and changes in family relationships can make psychological discomfort worse.
e) Social Isolation
Women may retreat from social activities and support systems as a result of the psychological and physical toll that cancer takes on them. Feelings of loneliness and isolation can be brought on by exhaustion, treatment methods, and the need for relaxation. These factors can have a detrimental effect on mental health.
Mental illness risk may rise with prolonged social isolation (Yuan et al., 2020). It can also raise the expense of cancer care and decrease patient compliance with therapy (de Souza et al., 2017).
7 Steps to Handle These Emotional Challenges
1. Seeking Professional Help
Getting professional help is one of the best ways to handle emotional challenges. Counsellors, psychologists, and psychiatrists can offer medication and therapy if necessary. Women who are struggling to cope can benefit from cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) and other therapeutic treatments that aim to challenge their negative ideas and increase their resilience.
2. Joining Support Groups
Support groups provide a secure environment where women can talk to people who are understanding of their situation about their feelings, experiences, and difficulties. Support groups designed especially for women with cancer are offered by several organisations in India, and they can be a great place to find solace and guidance.
3. Engaging in Physical Activity
Regular exercise has been shown to improve mood and reduce depression and anxiety. Women can maintain physical health, lower stress levels, and improve their mental wellbeing by engaging in gentle workouts like yoga, strolling, and swimming. Yoga and meditation are extremely helpful and widely available in India.
4. Practising Mindfulness and Meditation
Women who practise mindfulness and meditation can be more stress-resilient and grounded. Anxiety can be decreased and calmness can be fostered by methods including progressive muscle relaxation, guided imagery, and deep breathing.
A study has shown that mindfulness stress management can help female cancer survivors in improving their quality of life, regaining their physical and mental well-being, and reducing their symptoms of anxiety, sadness, or mood disorders.
5. Maintaining a Healthy Diet
Eating correctly is essential to general health. Eating a well-balanced diet high in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean meats helps boost mental and physical well-being. Speaking with a dietitian can assist women in developing meal plans that address their unique requirements both during and following cancer treatment.
6. Creating a Strong Support System
It is crucial to have a strong support network of friends, family, and medical professionals. Fostering a supportive atmosphere can be achieved through encouraging open discussion about needs and feelings with loved ones. Given the high value placed on familial support, including family members in the caregiving process might be very advantageous in India.
7. Exploring Creative Outlets
Painting, writing, or making music are examples of creative pursuits that can be therapeutic. These channels offer a means of expressing feelings and detaching from the strain of being ill. The value of art therapy and related interventions in cancer care is becoming more widely acknowledged.
According to a study, art therapy may also have some effect on those who are close to cancer patients, particularly their caregivers. The patients seem to radiate the same kind of positive energy, which makes the caregiving process more relaxed and easy (Setyoningrum et al., 2020).
The Role of Online Therapy
Women can get psychological treatment in a simple and approachable way by using online therapy. It does away with the necessity for travel, which presents difficulties for patients receiving therapy. Access to mental health services is available to women living in distant areas of India without requiring them to leave their homes, thereby preventing physical barriers from impairing their emotional well-being.
Providing thorough online therapy specifically designed to meet the needs of women with cancer is Rocket Health India's area of expertise. Through this website, patients can find skilled therapists who are aware of the particular difficulties associated with cancer treatment. The experts in psycho-oncology offer specialised therapy to help you overcome your challenges. Women can access tools intended to improve their mental wellness, take part in support groups, and receive individualised therapy through Rocket Health India.
Conclusion
A crucial aspect of cancer treatment for women is emotional well-being. Improving quality of life and treatment outcomes can be greatly enhanced by addressing the emotional difficulties that come with receiving a cancer diagnosis. Women with cancer can face their journey with optimism and resilience by utilising online therapy platforms such as Rocket Health India, obtaining expert aid, and participating in supportive activities.
Ensuring complete emotional support is crucial in India, as cultural and societal variables may increase the stress associated with receiving a cancer diagnosis. With the right tools and support, women can achieve mental well-being and face their cancer journey with courage and determination.
References
Alwhaibi, M., AlRuthia, Y., & Sales, I. (2023). The impact of depression and Anxiety on Adult Cancer Patients’ Health-Related Quality of life. Journal of Clinical Medicine, 12(6), 2196. https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm12062196
De Souza, J. A., Kung, S., O’Connor, J., & Yap, B. J. (2017). Determinants of Patient-Centered Financial Stress in patients with locally advanced head and neck Cancer. Journal of Oncology Practice, 13(4), e310–e318. https://doi.org/10.1200/jop.2016.016337
Fradelos, E. C., Papathanasiou, I. V., Veneti, A., Daglas, A., Christodoulou, E., Zyga, S., & Kourakos, M. (2017). Psychological Distress and Resilience in Women Diagnosed with Breast Cancer in Greece. PubMed, 18(9), 2545–2550. https://doi.org/10.22034/apjcp.2017.18.9.2545
International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health/International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 19(8), 4497. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph19084497
Setyoningrum, Y., Suhanjoyo, S. N., Muliati, A., & Department of Interior Design, Faculty of Arts and Design, Maranatha Christian University. (2020). Methods and timeframe benefits of art therapy on cancer patients. Advances in Social Science, Education and Humanities Research, 419, 84. https://www.atlantis-press.com/article/125937371.pdf
