From the moment you are diagnosed with cancer, you may find yourself with some negative feelings. These feelings are normal for anybody diagnosed with a major illness, and it is important to identify such feelings so that you know how you can cope with them.
Some of the feelings you may go through include:
Shock
Feeling a sense of denial, or being unable to react to the reality of having cancer is normal. Shock is a natural defence mechanism when your mind is unable to understand an unexpected situation.
Someone in shock and denial at their cancer diagnosis may refuse to seek treatment. Your mind is trying to come to terms with the information and is uncertain of how to feel and react at the moment. It is good to take a bit of time to cope with your emotions, but bear in mind that the faster you begin your cancer treatment, the more effective it can be.
Fear
It is natural for anybody diagnosed with cancer to feel fear. Many people still see cancer as a deadly disease that is incurable. This may have been true in the past, however, due to the advances in cancer care and treatment, many cancers can now be treated and cured.
Still, it is alright to feel afraid as cancer is a major illness and you do not know what to expect during treatment. There are many stories out there about the severe effects of cancer and cancer treatment. The best way to overcome your fear is by getting accurate information from your doctor about what you can expect to face during and after treatment.
Anger
While scientists have been able to identify the risk factors that can lead to cancer, there are no clear causes to many common cancers. This may lead to you feeling angry as you believe that you do not ‘deserve’ to contract cancer. Anger is a common reaction to a cancer diagnosis, but it is important to be mindful of this emotion in a healthy way, and to not take it out on your family and loved ones.
A good way to manage anger is to channel it into your resolve to overcome your cancer through to recovery. You can also release your emotions by talking to a trusted family member or friend, joining a support group of cancer patients or relaxing through deep breathing techniques.
Sadness
It is natural for you to feel sad about your cancer diagnosis. It is one of the most common stages you will go through during your cancer journey. However, if the sadness takes over your life, you might find yourself depressed, losing interest in your hobbies or isolating yourself from other people.
Keeping a healthy and positive attitude is very important for your recovery. Try to discover the best ways for you to release the sadness. Some effective ways of working through your feelings are listening to music, keeping a journal and being creative with art. Surround yourself with supportive friends and family members and empower yourself with knowledge on positive thinking.