World Mental Health Day

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World Mental Health Day is observed on October 10 each year. The day aims to educate, reduce stigma and advocate for better mental health services and policies worldwide.

The topic of mental health is of critical importance for the more than 18 million Americans with cancer and their loved ones.

Support for psychological, mental and emotional health during and beyond cancer treatment is essential.

It is not uncommon for patients dealing with cancer or chronic illness to experience emotional and psychological distress. A cancer diagnosis or unexpected health issue can increase feelings of stress, anxiety, depression or grief.

Treatments, which can become intense and span many months or years, can negatively impact a person’s mood, routine and ability to work or limit participation in activities and relationships. Patients may experience:

• Loss of interest
• Depressed mood
• Fatigue
• Changes in appetite
• Anxiety and worry
• Difficulty concentrating and sleeping
• Irritability
• Fear

Talking with trained and licensed mental health professionals during this journey can help to address and remedy these issues. Research shows that having access to behavioral health services helps to improve patient treatment outcomes and overall quality of life.

Community oncology practices typically incorporate behavioral health and wellness services as part of routine care. If not offered proactively, patients are encouraged to request access to a therapist whenever needed. Therapy services can be provided in person or virtually via video or telephone, and many services can be billed to insurance. Services are confidential, voluntary and driven by the patient’s unique needs and goals.

Support groups are another option that patients may benefit from. They are a valuable resource for connecting with others who can relate to their experience. Virtual or in-person support groups are often free of charge and moderated by a trained professional or expert.

Cancer can be emotionally challenging for family members and other loved ones, too.

Many people report that being a caregiver is more difficult emotionally than being the one with cancer. As one patient described, “At least I (the patient) am doing something about the disease by having chemo, getting radiation, going to appointments, etc. My husband can only watch, and he feels powerless.”

Certain relationships in families can enhance the stress and loneliness a cancer patient may feel. Here are some common beliefs and action steps that can improve the dynamics for loved ones living with cancer:

We must be positive all the time.
Some families refuse to allow themselves or the patient to utter any so-called negative words or thoughts regarding an illness. They believe that the power of only positive thinking somehow enhances survival odds. But this notion is fantasy, not reasonable or realistic, and can lead to massive disappointment. The truth is, there will be difficult times on the cancer journey for every member of a family. Not being allowed to talk about these scary and sad truths is unhelpful and dishonest and can lead to burying negative emotions. While striving for a positive attitude is helpful in these circumstances, open communication is always recommended. It is okay not to be okay.

Let’s pretend.
Some family members and patients will not show any evidence that they feel fear, sadness or anger – preferring to stuff the powerful emotions deep down. Patients and family members sometimes believe that sharing their honest feelings and thoughts will “make it worse” for the other. The cancer becomes the elephant in the room that everyone pretends not to see.

You must have treatment no matter what.
Some families insist that the patient get as much treatment as possible, as quickly as possible and for as long as possible – sometimes despite the patient’s doubts or reluctance about the side effects. Some families coerce a patient to continue treatment against their wishes to satisfy their desire to “do something!” Patients are entitled to self-determination when choosing their treatment or not to take treatment.

Families can overcome these and other challenges if they are educated, willing to change and motivated to grow.

No one has to go through cancer alone. Help is available.
Mental health services are available to help educate and support cancer patients and their loved ones.

The following are helpful resources for patients and caregivers to find support: Cancer Support Community (CancerSupportCommunity.org), Family Caregiver Alliance® (Caregiver.org) and Can Care (CanCare.org).

Consider working with a licensed behavioral health therapist who has expertise in oncology or grief and loss to help navigate a cancer journey. It’s likely a new experience for many, so there is a lot to learn – and it’s never too early or too late to reach out.

Collectively, on World Mental Health Day and every day, significant strides continue to offer more hope and better outcomes for those affected by cancer.

WORLD-CLASS CANCER TREATMENT, CLOSE TO HOME
About Florida Cancer Specialists & Research Institute, LLC:
(FLCancer.com)
For the past 40 years, Florida Cancer Specialists & Research Institute (FCS) has built a national reputation for excellence that is reflected in exceptional and compassionate patient care, driven by innovative clinical research, cutting-edge technologies and advanced treatments, including targeted therapy, genomic-based treatment and immunotherapy. Our highest values are embodied by our outstanding team of highly trained and dedicated physicians, clinicians and staff.

In Pasco County, board-certified physicians specializing in hematology, medical oncology, gynecologic oncology and radiation oncology provide personalized care for all forms of cancer and blood disorders. With extraordinary skill and experience, they deliver treatments with maximum effectiveness and safety, combined with compassion and concern for patients and their families. From genetic screening to immunotherapy and access to the latest clinical trials, our top-ranked cancer experts provide the newest and most advanced treatments available – increasing cure rates and extending lives.

Florida Cancer Specialists & Research Institute