Health

How Cancer Affects a Person’s Mental Well-Being?

Published

2 years ago

November 12, 2022

Do you know over 8.4 million American adults act as caregivers and advisors for individuals with mental conditions?

Life can be an uncertain balancing act, with the balance rendered imbalanced in many ways— losing a job, getting divorced, losing a close family member, or getting diagnosed with cancer. All these can significantly lead to mental health problems. According to psychologists, cognitive disruption can be more painful than physical health. If you talk about cancer, it is a slow and gradual cessation that leads to severe side effects and different types of damage to your body. But apart from the physical disruption, it impacts your mental well-being too. Something most people never talk about out of fear. It can lead to various mood disorders like depression, anxiety, impairment in cognitive functioning, and low self-esteem.

A cancer diagnosis affects not only the individual but also their families, friends, and caregivers, psychologically and physiologically.

Mental health and depression

Feelings of fear, anxiety, and restlessness are signs of a possible mental health concern. Distress is another uncertain emotion that makes you feel unpleasant. It can affect how you act and think, making it a hurdle for patients to cope with cancer. Well, depression is a significant mood disorder common among people, especially those dealing with cancer. According to doctors, psychological care is more critical than physical care for cancer patients. Without it, patients become frustrated and impulsive, consequently making their treatment difficult.

According to a study, cancer patients with depression are twice as likely to pass away earlier than those who are not. When stress levels increase, your body induces a specific response known as “Fight or Flight.” Either you fight with what you are feeling and try to cope with it, or you ignore it. Sometimes the situation can get uncontrollable. The side effects of cancer and depression can feed each other, aggravating the problem further because both are correlated.

Suicide and Cancer

Patients diagnosed with cancer have a four times higher rate of suicides than the general population. The feelings of uncertainty, hopelessness, anger, impulsivity, loneliness, stress, and lack of social support can agitate an individual negatively, leading to an increased risk of suicide.

Daily Chores

Imagine a life of a regular person who is well and fit. One day he wakes up and vomits blood, and the doctor diagnoses him with cancer. Do you think his life will be the same again? He won’t be able to sleep properly, wake up with stress only to feel a relentless wave of anxiety all over his head, and speculate all day long over his hopelessness. What will happen to his family? Who will provide for them? The mind will keep ruminating with distressing thoughts imagining the worst-case scenarios with no sign of respite. Indeed, dealing with cancer can wreck your mental health and take away all peace and happiness from your life. This affects your daily work, chores, and relationships with friends, family, and colleagues.

Take Care of Yourself

The first thing you need to do is take an active part in cancer treatment. This requires thoroughly following your treatment plans and working on improving outcomes, eventually leading to self-satisfaction.

Seeking professional help through therapy and counseling is also essential. You can either go to a psychologist, a mental health professional, or a social worker who specializes in supporting cancer patients. You can speak about how you feel and try to overcome your fears by learning scientifically-proven ways of coping with such an issue and implementing them. For medications, you can consult a psychiatrist.

Despite the ensuing stress making it difficult for a cancer patient to think rationally, mind-body therapies play a crucial role in overall health. Meditation, yoga, jogging, walking, and exercising can help increase the levels of a hormone known as endorphin in your body that boosts your happiness levels, benefiting your body and soul. Such activities will keep mood swings at bay, making it easier to cope with insomnia. It will also help reduce anxiety and stress, allowing you to relax.

Conclusion

Being diagnosed with cancer isn’t news that people would enjoy hearing. However, it is still important to accept the distressing and life-threatening disease as a reality once diagnosed and work towards improving your life, psychologically and physiologically. Taking care of yourself should be the top priority, requiring quality sleep, exercise, and a well-balanced diet. Doctors must prioritize the mental health of the survivors as well rather than just focusing on the physical one. The mind and body have a strong bond and need to be balanced.

If you have cancer or look after a loved one diagnosed with this dreadful disease, then Never Let Go is an excellent narrative full of suspense and entertainment with a story about a cancer survivor. The plot reveals how cancer impacts the cancer survivor’s mental well-being and that of his friends and family. The book offers fantastic insights and coping techniques to deal with such a situation. Grab your copy today and experience a true story full of inspiration.

Health

What Sets Why Not Natural Supplements Above Other Supplements Companies in the U.S.

Published

1 month ago

November 21, 2024

Michelle Langton

Photo courtesy of Why Not Natural

By: Georgette Virgo

In an industry plagued by minimal regulation and questionable practices, Why Not Natural Supplements sets a new standard in transparency and scientific excellence. Founded by chemical engineer Kelin Marquet, this female-owned supplement company challenges the status quo with clean and effective formulations backed by rigorous research.

Why Not Natural Supplements’ outlook on supplement creation contrasts starkly with many competitors in the $50 billion U.S. dietary supplement market. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not require pre-market approval for supplements, which leaves consumers vulnerable to potentially ineffective or harmful products. Why Not Natural Supplements has implemented stringent self-imposed standards that go far beyond regulatory requirements.

“We’re on a mission to educate consumers about what a supplement should look like,” says Kelin Marquet. “As a mother of three, I’m motivated by creating supplements that I feel comfortable giving to my own family.”

A Science-First Approach to Supplement Formulation

Why Not Natural Supplements’ commitment to scientific integrity begins with its founder. Marquet’s background in chemical engineering informs every aspect of the company’s product development process.

“I use my background and strong understanding of science to pore through research articles and choose active ingredients that work – not cheap substitutes you usually find in supplements,” Kelin Marquet explains.

This science-first perspective extends to the company’s use of bioavailable forms of nutrients and its emphasis on third-party testing. Why Not Natural Supplements rigorously tests every product—including their best-selling Organic Vitamin D3 Liquid Drops with K2, 4-in-1 Magnesium Complex, Liquid Vitamin A (10,000 IU) with Coconut MCT Oil, and many others—for purity and potency. This practice sets the company apart in an industry where such thorough quality control is far from standard.

Transparency and Clean Formulations

Why Not Natural Supplements’ transparency is evident in its viewpoint on ingredient selection and labeling. The company maintains a list of ingredients that will never appear in its products, including artificial preservatives, colors, flavors, and common allergens.

“It’s not just about what’s in a supplement – it’s essential what’s not in it, too,” Marquet emphasizes. This philosophy extends to the company’s use of clean, minimalist formulations that avoid unnecessary fillers and additives.

The company provides consumers with clear, accurate information about each product’s contents. This level of transparency is rare in an industry where, according to the National Institutes of Health, supplement labels may not always accurately reflect the product’s contents.

Kelin Marquet emphasizes that each product formulation undergoes rigorous scientific scrutiny, with every ingredient serving a specific, research-backed purpose. “We don’t just throw ingredients together because they’re trendy,” Marquet explains. “Every component in our formulas is there for a reason, in its most bioavailable form, and at the optimal dosage.”

Education and Consumer Empowerment

Why Not Natural Supplements’ mission extends beyond creating high-quality supplements to educating consumers about supplement quality and safety. The company uses its social media platforms and website to provide in-depth information about ingredient sourcing, manufacturing processes, and the science behind its formulations.

This educational outlook is particularly crucial in light of the rapid growth of e-commerce in the supplement industry. As online sales platforms capture an increasing market share, the traditional role of natural and specialty retailers as information gatekeepers is diminishing. Why Not Natural Supplements is stepping into this gap, providing consumers with the knowledge they need to understand dietary supplements and find one that best fits their needs.

“We’re not just selling supplements,” Marquet states. “We’re empowering consumers to make informed decisions about their health by showing them exactly what goes into each formula and why.”

In an industry where regulation is minimal and quality can be inconsistent, Why Not Natural Supplements stands out as a company committed to raising the bar through its science-based method, commitment to transparency, and focus on consumer education.

“Our goal is to change how individuals see natural supplements,” Marquet concludes. “We believe that by prioritizing quality, efficacy, and transparency, we can help consumers reclaim their health and trust in their supplements.”