How Do People Cope?

Coping is a natural response to psychological stress, usually resulting from sudden changes. Our bodies cope with maintaining mental and physical well-being, and every person deals with this through a combination of thoughts, behaviors, and emotions. Different life-changing situations can cause a person to lose emotional balance. One of the most difficult to handle is getting diagnosed with cancer.

Dealing with the news

Anyone who has to hear a cancer diagnosis will need enough time to accept the reality of having this disease. It is hard emotionally because you do not know what to expect, and negative thoughts will flood your mind, making it hard to make the right decisions. During this time, you need all the support you can get from loved ones. In addition to the help you are getting from your oncologist, you can also get assistance from different channels, such as a professional counselor.

Life with cancer: ways to cope

Coping skills differ from one person to another. Some people prefer to deal with difficult problems on their own, while there are others that draw strength from having a company. These are some of the most common ways patients today deal with cancer.

1. Considering all the possible treatments. The possibility of getting cured of cancer is what gives patients hope. In addition to conventional methods such as surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation, there are new treatment methods used to treat certain types of cancer. Take, for example, immunotherapy lung cancer which patients can consider as an option to treat non-small cell lung cancer. There are many other experimental medicines and treatments currently being developed to give cancer patients another chance at life.
2. Join a support group. Support groups are not for everyone but reaching out to others who are going through the same experience can be quite therapeutic. There are many different kinds of support groups available today. Some are exclusive to patients suffering from a particular type of cancer, while there are others that include all, even survivors of the disease. You can also apply to join a support group online and connect with individuals who are going through or have survived the disease.
3. Focus on taking care of yourself. While there are days when you will likely have little energy to get out of bed, do not pass on the opportunity to engage in activities you enjoy on days when you feel much better. Light exercise, going out with friends, and spending time with loved ones are all effective ways to keep your mind off what you are going through.
4. Get professional help. Professional counseling can help if you are struggling to cope with depression. Sometimes, being around your loved ones may not be enough to get you out of a rut. If you are too emotional and find yourself thinking about self-destructive behavior, reach out to a therapist, and do not be afraid to be vulnerable with your feelings.

Many people say that a cancer diagnosis is not the end. Despite the difficulty of the situation, the great thing is that you do not have to bear the burden alone. Coping with stress and depression brought by cancer may be an individual matter, but help is always available if you are willing to accept it.