Cancer is a battle that no one should have to face alone. It is a formidable adversary, not just physically but emotionally and mentally. While medical treatments target the physical aspects of the disease, the emotional and psychological challenges often go unnoticed. Cancer patients undergo traumatic challenges which may lead to feelings of isolation and loneliness. Emotional support plays a pivotal role in the overall well-being and recovery of cancer patients. It is an essential component of comprehensive cancer care, providing the strength and resilience needed to navigate the journey.
By providing compassionate support and understanding, caregivers and loved ones can help alleviate the emotional burden and contribute positively to the patient's overall well-being.
Need of Emotional Support during Cancer Care
Reducing Stress and Anxiety
Cancer diagnosis and treatment can cause immense stress and anxiety. Emotional support, whether from family, friends, or support groups, can provide a sense of comfort and security. Sharing fears and concerns with someone who listens empathetically can alleviate the psychological burden and reduce anxiety levels.
Boosting Mental Health
Depression and feelings of hopelessness are common among cancer patients. Emotional support helps in combating these feelings by providing a network of people who offer encouragement and positivity. Regular interactions and emotional engagement can prevent the onset of severe depression and promote a more optimistic outlook.
Improving Treatment Adherence
Patients who feel supported are more likely to adhere to their treatment plans. Emotional encouragement can motivate patients to attend appointments, take medications regularly, and follow through with prescribed therapies. This adherence is crucial for the effectiveness of cancer treatment.
Enhancing Quality of Life
Quality of life is not just about physical health but also emotional and social well-being. Emotional support can enhance a patient's quality of life by providing joy, companionship, and a sense of normalcy. Engaging in social activities and maintaining relationships can bring a sense of purpose and fulfilment.
Promoting Resilience and Coping Skills
Emotional support fosters resilience, helping patients to cope better with the challenges of cancer treatment. Support groups, in particular, provide a platform for patients to share experiences and learn coping strategies from others who are going through similar experiences. This shared knowledge can be empowering and provide practical ways to manage the illness.
Providing Practical Assistance
Emotional support often comes hand-in-hand with practical help. Loved ones can assist with daily tasks, transportation to medical appointments, and managing household responsibilities. This practical assistance can alleviate some of the stress and allow patients to focus more on their recovery.
Encouraging Open Communication
A supportive environment encourages open communication between patients and their healthcare providers. Patients who feel emotionally supported are more likely to voice their concerns, ask questions, and seek clarification about their treatment. This open dialogue can lead to better-informed decisions and more personalised care.
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Strengthening the Immune System
Studies have shown that emotional well-being can have a positive impact on physical health, including the immune system. Emotional support can reduce stress hormones and boost the immune response, which is particularly important for cancer patients whose immune systems are often compromised by the disease and its treatments.
Sources of Emotional Support
- Family and Friends: Loved ones provide essential emotional and practical support. Open communication and spending quality time together can strengthen these relationships.
- Support Groups: Connecting with others who are going through similar experiences can be incredibly comforting and validating. Support groups offer a safe space to share feelings and gain insights.
- Mental health professionals: Psychologists, therapists, and counsellors specialised in oncology can help patients and their families navigate the emotional landscape of cancer.
- Spiritual Support: For some, faith and spirituality provide a significant source of comfort and strength. Engaging in spiritual practices or seeking guidance from religious leaders can be beneficial.
Practical Tips for Providing Emotional Support
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- Active Listening: Being present and actively listening without judgement can make a significant difference to the person who is suffering.
- Offering Help: Practical assistance with daily tasks, such as cooking, cleaning, or transportation, can reduce some of the burden on the patient.
- Encouraging Expression: Encourage the patient to express their feelings and acknowledge that it’s okay to feel sad, angry, or scared.
- Maintaining Normalcy: Engaging in normal activities and routines can provide a sense of stability and normalcy.
- Promoting Self-Care: Encourage the patient to engage in activities which promote relaxation and well-being, such as meditation, gentle exercise, or hobbies they enjoy.
Conclusion
Emotional support is not a luxury but a necessity for those undergoing cancer treatment. It provides a vital foundation for mental and emotional stability, which, in turn, can influence physical health and treatment outcomes. Creating a strong support network, by involving family, friends, and medical professionals, is essential for anyone facing the challenges of cancer. Addressing the emotional needs of cancer patients, can improve their overall well-being and enhance their journey towards recovery.
Get professional emotional support for cancer care with Rocket Health India’s online counselling services. Begin your journey to better mental well-being today!
References
Adam, A., & Koranteng, F. (2020). Availability, accessibility, and impact of social support on breast cancer treatment among breast cancer patients in Kumasi, Ghana: A qualitative study. PloS one, 15(4), e0231691.
Gudina, A. T., Cheruvu, V. K., Gilmore, N. J., Kleckner, A. S., Arana-Chicas, E., Kehoe, L. A., ... & Cupertino, A. P. (2021). Health related quality of life in adult cancer survivors: importance of social and emotional support. Cancer epidemiology, 74, 101996.
Namkoong, K., McLaughlin, B., Yoo, W., Hull, S. J., Shah, D. V., Kim, S. C., ... & Gustafson, D. H. (2013). The effects of expression: how providing emotional support online improves cancer patients’ coping strategies. Journal of the National Cancer Institute Monographs, 2013(47), 169-174.
Singer, S., Götze, H., Möbius, C., Witzigmann, H., Kortmann, R. D., Lehmann, A., ... & Hauss, J. (2009). Quality of care and emotional support from the inpatient cancer patient’s perspective. Langenbeck's archives of surgery, 394, 723-731.
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