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

How Telehealth Works for Addicts in Recovery

Published

7 days ago

March 6, 2025

Michelle Langton

Technology has been shaping healthcare for decades, and these days, tech advancements for the health sector are happening faster than ever before. Telehealth has emerged as one advancement that has touched every healthcare discipline, from cancer care to pediatrics. The innovative approach of telehealth is breaking down barriers to care and even reaching those who are struggling with substance abuse.

By leveraging digital platforms, recovery specialists can offer better access to therapy sessions, support groups, and medical consultations. These breakthroughs in accessibility are significant for people in healthcare deserts who are languishing under increased addiction rates and a lack of reliable treatment options.

Nick Padlo, founder and CEO of Sophros Recovery in Florida, has seen the benefit of telehealth for recovering addicts firsthand. “Individuals struggling with addiction can now find support and guidance if they do not have access to a treatment center near their home,” he explains. “These virtual programs are designed to provide comprehensive care, similar to traditional in-person treatment, but with the added convenience of digital accessibility.”

Here, we explore the benefits of telehealth for recovery and how clinicians and other professionals in the field can best utilize it for better outcomes.

An increased need for comprehensive recovery

The United States saw over 107,000 overdose deaths in 2023. This was a notable increase from previous numbers. The emergence of fentanyl as the drug of choice for many and the perpetuation of alcohol and other drug abuses have made access to comprehensive recovery even more important than ever.

“Understanding the options available can be the first step to recovery,” says Padlo. When people have easier access to help, they may be more apt to seek sobriety.

The pandemic saw a marked increase in substance abuse, laying bare the need for digital access to recovery resources. During the COVID shutdown, the crucial need for an alternative to in-person treatment was evident, and the benefits of such treatment options allowed clinicians and other professionals to carry this digital access to recovery care through the pandemic and into the post-COVID world.

In addition, those living in rural areas or areas with a lack of access to comprehensive recovery care often have needs on par with those in larger urban areas. Telehealth allows people to access the same professionals that those in big cities rely upon.

Studies have shown that continuity of care is critical to the success of addiction recovery. Telehealth can facilitate ongoing engagement with those in recovery, securing continuity of care and leading to better recovery outcomes.

A modern approach

“Online addiction recovery typically involves a combination of individual therapy, group therapy, educational sessions, and support groups, all conducted via video conferencing or other online tools,” explains Padlo. The flexibility of these programs allows participants to schedule them around their availability and considering their other commitments.

“We aim to mirror the effectiveness of traditional methods,” says Padlo. “We are providing the same level of care and support through a virtual format.”

Padlo stresses that online recovery can also reduce stigmas that are associated with seeking help for one’s addictions. When those in recovery can participate from the comfort of their own home, they may be more apt to commit to the recovery process.

People will need to consider their personal circumstances when determining if telehealth for addiction recovery is right for them. They may want to evaluate how comfortable they are with technology and whether they have a stable internet connection. Also, it helps to have a strong support system to keep one accountable since it can sometimes be easier to ignore digital meeting commitments.

However, Padlo cautions that those with severe addiction issues or co-occurring addictions may fare better with in-person detox and recovery.

Telehealth can be a powerful tool in the fight against addiction. The option offers a range of benefits, including easier access, privacy, and even savings for some. According to a recent study by the Oregon Health and Science University, telehealth may be just the solution to overcoming the stigma of rehab and recovery and radically reducing barriers for people who need it the most.

While telehealth for addiction recovery may not be a one-size-fits-all solution, and some people may require more intensive care and medical intervention, it has broken barriers for those in areas of limited access to recovery or seeking an option that offers more privacy.

As the field of virtual health delivery continues to evolve, the benefits of telehealth for addiction recovery will become clear. Telehealth provides comprehensive, discrete, and effective care for those starting or continuing their recovery journey.