Cancer affects both the patients’ emotional and physical health and exposes the patients to a wide range of emotions. It even exacerbates feelings, causing them to change every hour or minute, for example, the patient’s first reaction is often shock and denial, followed by a period of distress, anxiety, anger, and depression, and despite these negative feelings, the feeling of despair, guilt, or helplessness is the most dangerous one, because it may be harmful. As a result, before giving psychological support, put yourself in the shoes of a cancer patient.

One of their concerns is considering the life changes they will make before starting the treatment journey, such as rearranging duties, priorities, and routines, as well as how to deal with all of the issues brought on by cancer, such as how side effects of therapy may affect a person’s emotions.

How do you help a cancer patient?

• Don’t make fun of his feelings.
• Pay close attention while he expresses his thoughts and worries.
• Remind him that it is normal for him to be sad and irritated.
• Encourage the patient to express his emotions to you and other family members and friends but do not force him to speak.
• Motivate him to join a cancer patient support group.
• Help him in remaining as active as possible. Physical activity has been related to decreased depression rates. Depression affects 15 to 25% of cancer patients, and it is generally caused by the stress of treatment, concern about family members, and fear of the unknown.
• Consult a doctor to get the help you need.
• Encourage the patient to seek spiritual help via meditation, prayer, or other means.
• Suggest doing deep breathing and relaxation techniques.

Don’t neglect yourself

Providing care and support when you have a cancer patient could be challenging. Because many caregivers put their needs and feelings aside to focus on the cancer patient. However, this can be difficult to sustain for long, and it will not help you to be overwhelmed. You will not be able to care for others if you do not care for yourself. This is especially true considering that stress may have both physical and psychological consequences.

As a result, it is critical to seek assistance from friends or family. People close to you may be able to assist you:

• Cooking, cleaning, and shopping
• Taking care of kids and picking them up from school or activities

We know that accepting help from others is not always easy, but remember that receiving help for yourself can be valuable as the patient may feel guilty about everything you do.

So, Accept the help while assisting your loved one in staying healthy.