Cancer is an illness that can change one’s life after diagnosis. It not only affects you, but your family and friends are also affected by the news. If you have just been diagnosed, you start to prepare yourself mentally for your new life. At some point, you start to think about all the fears that are associated with cancer. Thoughts of death can fill your mind as you wonder if you’ll be able to swim through these deep waters.
For friends and family, the fear of losing a loved can creep in, in an intense way. Reason being, people only associate cancer with death rather than survival, especially when they have no awareness about the illness.
For some, dealing with being diagnosed is easier than it is for others, but since we are all humans, no one is ever truly immune from feeling overwhelmed when they find out they have cancer.
Here are some of the reasons why it’s important to see a therapist after being diagnosed with cancer.
Helps deal with anxiety and depressionFor many patients, the immediate effect of being diagnosed sinks them into an anxious and depressive state. This is understandable because dealing with cancer has some extensive psychological effects on a patient. These emotions and fears are coupled with the fear of the unknown and, sometimes, the inevitability of death.
These feelings and questions can often leave someone feeling overwhelmed, falling deep into depression. It is, therefore, essential to see a therapist to help one deal with the psychological impacts of being diagnosed. He or she being a professional is in a better position to help a patient deal with the situation best.
Helps patients come to termsAccepting that you have a serious illness is not as easy as some people may think. If you are not dealing with it first hand, it’s easy to assume that all you need to do is accept what you cannot change. The reality, however, is quite different. As Kenyans like to put it, ‘vitu kwa ground ni different.’ For other people, the response is being in denial as they try to put up a tough front. For men, especially, society expects that they will always be tough no matter what. For this reason, many try to put up a brave face when they get the life changing news.
Some diagnosed patients also put up a front to avoid hurting their loved ones. Therapy helps patients come to terms with the news by giving them room to express themselves without feeling judged. Fact is, things are not okay and one does not have to always pretend like they are.
Going for therapy helps patients positively adjust to their new life. If they fail to get any form of counseling, one can feel easily lost and confused after being told some life changing news. Reaching out to a professional who has experience in dealing with cancer patients can truly help a cancer patient appreciate life again through some positive affirmations.
It aids with coping mechanismsWhen someone gets the news that they are battling cancer, turning to negative ways of coping can be a possibility. Life can begin to feel hopeless and not worth living when the diagnosis is communicated. For this reason, many people turn to alcohol, drugs and even suicide in some cases.
It is, therefore, very important to get some professional counseling immediately. It is better to get counseling earlier on in order to deal with any negative coping mechanisms that may have cropped up.
Getting in touch with a therapist that has dealt with cancer patients can help bring more awareness about the specific form of cancer. Professionals help in addressing some of the myths and misconceptions, as well as the facts, from a more supportive stand point.
During sessions, you’re able to ask concerning questions without feeling embarrassed as you get therapy at the same time. This is a great form of therapy because it helps with the recovery process and gives one some hope during the process.