Dealing with Stress and Anxiety
You may think stress and anxiety will go away once treatment is completed. Many survivors, however, become even more anxious after the end of treatment (Schlessel-Harpham, 1994). Losing constant contact with your healthcare team, for example, can be frightening. Also, your friends and family may not understand that cancer is still part of your life even though treatment has ended. The potential of recurrence, medical late effects, and fertility and psychological changes may also cause anxiety. You may experience anxiety because it is now finally safe to allow yourself to feel all the feelings held back during treatment.
Whatever the cause, remember that anxiety and stress are common feelings. Here are suggestions for relieving anxiety and maintaining a healthier lifestyle:
- Exercise. Aerobic exercise releases endorphins and other healing chemicals that reduce stress. You should aim for 30 minutes of exercise at least four times a week.
- Eat healthy. What you eat affects how you feel. Eating foods high in saturated fat, cholesterol and sugar has a negative impact on your emotions and on your overall health.
- Avoid alcohol and drugs. Alcohol masks true feelings and can cause other health complications.
- Avoid stimulants. Limit caffeine intake (coffee, tea, soda) and use of decongestant medications.
- Get enough sleep.
- Enjoy a hobby. This may be something you can do alone like knitting, painting, singing or gardening, or it may involve others, such as joining a book club or sports team.
- Talk about your concerns.
- Learn relaxation techniques.
- Learn to pace yourself and set priorities.
- Make time for enjoyable activities.
- Join a support group or talk with a friend, counselor or clergy member.
- Find out your actual risk of recurrence.
- Seek information about how to reducing your chance of recurrence.
- Be willing to have potential problems evaluated by a professional.
- Talk about your fears with others.
