Depression, Anxiety and Fear

Feelings of depression, anxiety and fear can strike at any time and are very common and normal responses to a cancer diagnosis. In these Covid-19 times it’s even worse. Patients are fronting up to treatment with no support because visitors may not be allowed to attend. Understandable, but can create further anxiety for the patient.

These feelings have a huge impact on most patients, families, and caregivers which can be a big problem. Changes in body image can affect self-esteem, pain, nausea, or fatigue from treatment and fear of death and the unknown can all combine to cause emotional distress.

It’s hard but important to try and manage your stress, which can weaken your immune system and lower your defence when fighting metastatic cancer. If your distress reaches moderate to severe levels discuss with your medical team as you may need extra help.

#cancer #stress #anxiety #emotionalhealth #covid19 #cancerpatient #kitforcancer #theKitFoundation