How Cancer-Related Side Effects Can Affect Mental Health?

1. How How Cancer Cancer- -Related Side Effects Can Affect Mental Health Related Side Effects Can Affect Mental Health? ? Cancer often has an overwhelming impact on the mental and emotional well-being of those who receive a diagnosis. A cancer diagnosis may exacerbate already existing illness, especially in patients who have earlier experienced mental health issues. Most patients can be expected to experience some impact on their mental health due to their diagnosis such as sadness, panic but some may develop a mental health disorder like anxiety, depression and/or post- traumatic disorder. Research shows that people with metastatic breast cancer can be affected by the symptoms and side effects and treatment of their cancer. It even stated that an average of 30% to 35% of cancer patients suffer from the psychiatric and neuropsychiatric disorders, with fluctuations among the stages of cancer. One research also declares that pain and nausea were not just physical concerns for patients, they also impacted their mental health. The more pain a patient struggles with, the more likely they were to feel depressed and anxious. The same thing is true for nausea. The more nausea a patient experiences, the more likely they were to struggle with depression and worrying. Identifying Mental HealthSymptoms Understanding mental health symptoms that a patient is experiencing is critical to assist them in coping with their mental health issues. First thing to do is start communicating, ask them how they’re emotionally feeling, and what & how they’re feeling about their diagnosis and treatment. Let them know that you’re always available for talk and support, this will help them feel comfortable. Here are certain mental illness symptoms that you should look out for: Worrying Sadness Crying Changes in sleep

2. Excessive guilt Hopelessness Lack of confidence and concentration Thoughts of suicide, and other related symptoms. If you’re unable to decide whether a patient is having mental health symptoms, then it is always better to consult a Mental Health Professional or another healthcare professional. How to Help Cancer Patients Cope With Mental Health Illness When a cancer patient is experiencing mental health issues, several steps can be taken to help them: 1. Taking Professional Help: A cancer patient should talk to a healthcare professional to receive more information on physical and emotional health. They can best guide you on mental health issues and also provide a reference to a counsellor or other support services.

3. 2. Joining a Support Group: You should encourage a patient to join a support group. Talking to others who have had a similar experience can be therapeutic. 3. Help From Friends and Family: Family and friends can serve as a huge support system. Being sensible about cancer patients' feelings is extremely important and one should motivate them to talk whenever they feel like it. For counselling services, reach out to us at http://inventivehelpinghandsociety.org/cancer- awareness-programs/ or call us on +91 9680055771.