How To Control The Panic

Hello Meru,

Thank you for getting in touch. My name is Helen, I’m one of the Cancer Information Nurses on the Macmillan Support Line.

Welcome to the online community.

I was very sorry to read that you are feeling so anxious and panicked at the moment. It is natural, of course, to feel these things when given a new diagnosis, but it’s frightening to be in the middle of it and to feel so overwhelmed.

It is likely that you have good skills in dealing with your anxiety, but it’s easy to forget them when feeling unsafe and out of control.

Try to focus on things you can control – you may want to find out more about the cancer, your treatment options, and how to manage any side effects. Feeling better informed can help feel a little more in control.

I would really recommend speaking to us on the phone or contacting us by webchat. That way you can talk through the information you have received, and we can help you feel a little more informed around what that might mean for you. We are very good listeners.

Try to avoid spending lots of time googling your diagnosis. Its much better to speak to us here at Macmillan, or to one of your team at the hospital, if you have questions you need answering. There is a risk you may read information that is not related to your situation, but which makes you more worried and concerned. 

Think about your breathing. Feeling panicky can cause fast, shallow breathing, which can make you more anxious. Relaxation techniques can help you control anxiety and breathe more easily. The NHS has self-help breathing techniques that you might feel helpful to follow.

It’s easy to forget to eat regularly or remember to drink plenty of fluids when feeling so overwhelmed. In addition, some fresh air and physical activity can help to keep your physical health as stable as possible to support your mental health.

If you have needed medications for anxiety in the past, it would be important to speak with your GP for a review at this point. 

Meru, I hope this information is useful. Do consider giving us a call, we are keen to be able to support you through this very difficult time.

The Macmillan Support Line offers practical, clinical, financial and emotional support. You can call us free from landlines and from most mobile phone networks on 0808 808 00 00, 7 days a week, 8am – 8pm.

Best wishes, Helen

Cancer Information Nurse Specialist 

Ref HM/KS