How can I manage the emotional impact of cancer for myself or a loved one?
Each person’s coping strategy is unique, so it’s important to find what works for you. Here are some tips:
Capture your experiences and feelings
Keep a journal to write down emotions and organize thoughts; record feelings in a video; or express yourself through a creative outlet.
Ask for and accept help from friends and family
The people who love you can be sources of support and can help lighten the load with daily tasks. Letting them pick up groceries or help with other household chores can have a meaningful impact on emotional stress.
Seek out individual or group support
In-person or virtual support groups offer a space to connect with others experiencing something similar and provide mutual support. Advocacy organizations can be a great resource for finding support groups. Individual counseling with a mental health provider can help you process your feelings confidentially.
Here are a few resources from breast cancer patient advocacy groups about how to care for your emotional well-being:
- Managing emotional side effects (Living Beyond Breast Cancer)
- Taking care of your mental health after a breast cancer diagnosis (BreastCancer.org)
- Metastatic breast cancer patient support (SHARE)
Everyone is different. Take time to find the support that is right for you.
