Struggling with anxiety after diagnosis

Hello Diane and thank you for contacting the online community.

I’m sorry to hear you’re struggling with anxiety following your diagnosis It’s good to hear you’ve reached out and booked therapy sessions, talking can help.

The following is taken from our publication How are you feeling? The emotional effects of cancer.

Stress and anxiety are normal reactions to difficult life events. But living with stress and anxiety can be hard. There are things you can do to help manage your stress. You may want to try:

• talking to someone – this may be your friend, partner, family member doctor, nurse, or a professional counsellor or psychologist
• focusing on your breathing – breathe in slowly and deeply through your nose and slowly out through your mouth
• practicing mindfulness – paid apps such as Headspace (headspace.com) and Calm (calm.com), and free apps such as Healthy Minds Program (hminnovations.org/meditation-app) can help
• closing your eyes and listening to your surroundings, or to music
• moving, especially outdoors – even a short walk can help with anxiety
• carrying on with your hobbies and interests, if you can
• keeping a diary or journal – this can help you recognise things that trigger your anxiety
• complementary therapies such as yoga, meditation, massage or reflexology. We have more information in our booklet Cancer and complementary therapies.

Feeling stressed or anxious are normal emotions if you are dealing with cancer. If you feel your anxiety is getting worse, speak to:

• your GP
• your specialist nurse
• a psychologist or counsellor.

They can help you find ways of coping with it. Some people with anxiety also have depression. Speaking to your healthcare team is the best way to get the help you need.

You may find it helpful to contact Anxiety UK. You may also find that it helps to join a support group.

We’re here to support you through this difficult time Diane. We’re here for your emotional support but we also have nurses here as well as money advisers. You can call in on 0808 808 00 00 (7 days a week, 8am – 8pm), web chat or  email if you’d prefer.

Take care.