6 Ways To Improve Your Mental Health As A Cancer Patient

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Last Updated on October 23, 2024 by Randy Withers, LCMHC

Being diagnosed with cancer weighs heavily both physically and mentally on patients. The idea of having cancer alone could cause even the strongest of wills to lose hope. Then again, not many realize how keeping one’s mental well-being in good condition could help diminish the physical effects of the cancer experience.

With this in mind, it’s important to look at how protecting one’s mental health as a cancer patient can make the ordeal less difficult. Let’s look at how mental health interventions could aid in mental health treatment and recovery.

The Line Between Cancer Recovery and Mental Health

Let’s first talk about how improving mental health could help cancer patients in their day-to-day battles. The American Cancer Society notes that being diagnosed with the disease could cause feelings of helplessness and loneliness. It’s also well-established that cancer patients are more likely to experience major depression and a severe case of adjustment disorder as they grapple with drastic changes in their lifestyles and social relationships.

Even as a cancer diagnosis could adversely affect one’s mental health, learning to cope psychologically with the condition could make the journey more bearable and manageable. Mental Health America cites studies suggesting that improvements in patients’ mental well-being could improve survivability rates. Moreover, they are more likely to follow through with their treatment plans and experience a better quality of life. 

Overall, focusing on mental health can change medical outcomes for the better, providing patients with a fighting chance to overcome their condition and come out of it stronger. 

6 Ways to Improve Your Mental Health as a Cancer Patient

If you’re undergoing cancer treatment, whether it’s for mesothelioma or leukemia, it pays to invest time in guarding your mental health and staying positive throughout the experience. Some of these may cost you no amount of money. You just have to stay on course by using these approaches to help you stay emotionally grounded:

1. Stay connected with loved ones

You can never go wrong with talking to people who know exactly what you’re going through in your battle with cancer. From close family members to best friends you’ve known since high school, these are the people who wouldn’t hesitate to share words of encouragement and make you feel less lonely. Throughout your treatment, make a habit out of catching up on what they’re going through in their personal lives. Small talks even for just a few minutes can help elevate your mood and give you a platform for discussing topics other than your next chemotherapy schedule. Even if the interactions are online, there is still value every time you connect with the people in your closest social circles. 

2. Build new connections

Aside from talking to people you’re closest with, you should also look for opportunities to build new acquaintances and potentially lifelong partnerships. Never deprive yourself of the chance to develop friendships with strangers who may share the same interests.

While waiting for your doctor’s appointment, strike up a conversation with other people in the waiting room. If they’re going through the same ordeal, share your experiences and provide valuable advice. You can also find such connections in other places. Whether riding a bus or waiting for your order at a cafe, you will never know if the other person near you will become an important part of your growing emotional support system.

3. Cope with stress the right way

The hardest part of undergoing cancer treatment is the anxiety and stress you experience, amplified by your body’s response to the medication you take and a general feeling of uncertainty. Some patients may resort to unhealthy coping mechanisms that can only worsen their mental state as well as the side effects of the treatment.

Stress hormones such as cortisol could affect the immune system’s effectiveness and slow down the body’s recovery from a chemotherapy session. You can opt for healthier ways to cope such as going for a walk outside or doing a creatively engaging hobby. If you’re used to binge eating when stressed out, replace your favorite comfort food with healthier alternatives offering nutrients that can aid in cancer treatment and recovery.

4. Find time for exercise

You can never overlook the effects of exercise on your mental health, especially as you go through your battle with cancer. A good workout plan does more than condition your body to deal with fatigue better. Committing to one translates to an elevated mood as your body produces endorphins.

These same hormones are said to inhibit tumor growth as suggested by one study featured by the National Institutes of Health. If your doctor permits it, consider developing an exercise plan based on your experience and current physical needs. You might want to start with early morning jogging exercises. Additionally, you may want to consider adding strength training to the mix, especially as you enter the recovery phase. Your body needs to be properly conditioned as you reclaim your normal life.

5. Keep the mind active

When it comes to improving your mental health, you need to take part in activities that engage your creativity and enhance your cognitive function. Stress and anxiety could only lead to an inability to think clearly which, in turn, affects your quality of life. With this, opt for activities that allow you to express your emotions and keep your mind active.

Keeping a journal might serve as a way to document your feelings and thoughts as your treatment progresses. If you’re more into visual creation, take up hobbies such as sketching or painting on location. Art therapy is always a great way to deal with the uncertainties you’re in, allowing you to maintain a positive outlook. Other ways you can engage mentally and creatively is through games like Scrabble and sudoku along with gardening and baking which are both great for exercising mindfulness.

6. Take a break in nature

While some patients feel more at ease living in urban centers, most would benefit significantly from being close to nature. Through nature-based interventions such as outdoor hikes and camping, patients are allowed to disconnect from urban environments and be at peace with their surroundings.

Exposure to healthy levels of sunlight as well as fresh air are not only great during the recovery phase but they are also guaranteed to improve your mood. In addition, you also get better sleep quality and cope with the effects of fatigue following a chemotherapy session. With that being said, consider going on a trip to the beach or camping out with a few friends and family members at a nature park.

Final Thoughts

Effective treatment requires both physical resilience and a strong focus on mental health as a cancer patient. It is vitally important to Stay connected with loved ones, build new relationships, and develop healthy coping mechanisms during this journey.

The significance of exercise, mental engagement, and exposure to nature further supports the notion that a holistic approach can improve quality of life. Recognizing that mental health is as vital as physical health empowers you to take active steps toward recovery.

As you move through treatment, remember it is okay to seek help and prioritize your mental well-being. Embracing these strategies provides the strength needed to face challenges ahead and fosters hope and resilience. While the path may be difficult, focusing on your mental health as a cancer patient helps pave the way toward a fulfilling recovery.