“This place has been my sanity, a place where I feel understood and accepted.”
Community member, Bereaved partners and spouses forum
There are moments when cancer feels overwhelming. The worry can be constant, and it can feel like no one quite understands what you are going through.
Living with cancer, or supporting someone who is, can bring uncertainty, isolation, and emotional strain. That’s why Mental Health Awareness Week is an important moment to pause and talk about it.
In this blog, we share some conversations from the Online Community and highlight where you can find support.
In the Breast Cancer forum, one member reached out as they were struggling with their mental health. Other members replied with kindness and shared their own experiences.
“This forum is also invaluable, full of fabulous people who have been through or are going through a diagnosis.”
Community member, Breast cancer forum
One member posted in the Ask a Nurse forum while struggling with anxiety. One of our Cancer Information Nurse Specialists replied.
"Suffering with anxiety is very common during treatment for cancer and it is good to know that you have counselling in place, hopefully giving you the opportunity to share your thoughts, fears and the impact of the anxiety attack."
Cancer information nurse specialist, Ask an Nurse Forum
Waiting for scan results can also bring about high levels of Anxiety. Many people call this "Scanxiety".
“I do ok, but as my scan gets closer my mind goes to the ‘what ifs’. I can’t talk to my son, he just says ‘you’ll be fine’, so I come on here where people understand.”
Online Community member, Lung cancer forum
What helps one person may not work for someone else. It can take time to find the right support for you. Some members find it helpful to speak to someone directly.
“You can call Macmillan Support Line to talk about your feelings. I found lots of support there.”
Community member, Emotional support forum
Others have found support through the Macmillan Online HOPE Programme.
"I found the Macmillan online HOPE programme very helpful and it helped me to move forward with recovery."
Community member, Emotional support forum
Some members have found the support they have needed at their local Macmillan Centre.
“I went to the Macmillan centre near me, who were fantastic”
Community member, Breast cancer forum
If you would like to see where your nearest Macmillan centre is, or you'd like to find other face-to-face support services, you can make use of our dedicated Find local cancer support services page
Talking about emotions and mental health is not always easy. But many people in the Community understand what you are going through.
If you’d like to share your experiences, you’re welcome to comment below or join the conversation in the Emotional Support forum.
You might also find these resources helpful:
