If you have been diagnosed with non-small cell disease lung cancer (NSCLC), dealing with the emotional toll of illness is just as important as dealing with the physical impact. Research shows that up to half of people diagnosed with NSCLC experience increased anxiety, while two in five say they feel depressed.
These mental health problems can negatively affect treatment.
“Mental health is important for the well-being of any patient, not just the cancer patient,” he says. jacob, MD, doctor oncologist and medical director of the MemorialCare Cancer Institute at Orange Coast Medical Center in Fountain Valley, California. “Many times when a patient receives a lung cancer diagnosisThey feel that it is a death sentence. I have found that cancer patients who have a strong support system, which may include working with a mental health specialist, do better.”
For example, a study published in June 2020 in JAMA Oncology found that of 50,000 veterans treated for lung cancer, those who received mental health care lived substantially longer than those who did not.
Here are some proven ways to take care of your emotional and mental well-being after learning you have non-small cell lung cancer:
1. Embrace palliative care
Palliative care, which focuses on relieving the symptoms and stress of a diagnosis and illness, is becoming more common in the early treatment of lung cancer. TO study published in September 2019 in JAMA Oncology found that integrating palliative care soon after diagnosis and initiation of treatment increased a patient’s chances of survival with lung cancer.
“Palliative care is an important piece of the puzzle when it comes to lung cancer and mental health,” he says. Dr. Kristen Marrone, a lung cancer oncologist at the Johns Hopkins Kimmel Cancer Center. “That, along with access to our social workers, are two of our greatest tools and assets when treating our patients.”
2. Start a meditation practice
mindfulness meditation has a positive effect on the quality of life of cancer patients, according to a study published in June 2018 in the journal Comprehensive cancer therapies. Researchers have also found Mindfulness meditation reduces psychological distress in lung cancer patients. in particular, as well as improves general well-being.
Meditation and other mind-body practices like yoga “really help patients stay engaged and aware of what’s going on with their bodies and help them better manage the mental and emotional aspects of their diagnosis,” says Dr. Dr Marrone.
3. Try cognitive behavioral therapy
Emotional and mental support can be found with the help of a psychologist, psychiatrist, or licensed therapist through cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). CBT is a form of talk therapy that involves working with a mental health professional during treatment sessions designed to help you become more aware of negative thoughts and change the way you view challenging situations so you can better respond to them, according to American Psychological Association.
“A therapist can be a great help throughout the process of diagnosing and treating lung cancer,” he says. john schweichler, MS, LMFT, Medical Family Therapist with Duke Cancer Patient Support. “Your oncology team may have a therapist available on staff or they may recommend local providers. Please consider finding a provider who has experience working with couples and families, as we know that a cancer diagnosis affects the well-being of the whole family.”
4. Move your body
TO study published in February 2018 in the journal Neuropsychiatric illness and treatment found that physical activity can help combat cancer-related fatigue as well as improve quality of life. In addition, exercise can improve the mental state of a person with cancer, according to a study published in November 2021 in the journal frontiers of psychiatry.
“Exercise and maintaining a healthy weight certainly helps lung cancer patients stay stronger mentally and emotionally,” says Marrone. However, this does not necessarily mean taking on a strenuous exercise regimen. Work with your care team to develop a physical activity plan that’s right for you.
5. Take a mental break
Take time out of everything related to cancer treatments it’s important for maintaining positive mental health, according to Schweichler.
“Take the time to take care of yourself,” says Schweichler. “The effort you put into taking care of yourself physically and emotionally and in your relationships with your loved ones will help you have the best possible results.”
6. Return to your faith
If you are religious, the support you receive from your church, synagogue, mosque or temple can give you the strength you need, Marrone says.
“We’ve seen those communities support people by just checking in on them, visiting them, bringing them food or taking them on dates so they’re not alone,” she says. “It’s a layer of support and positivity that helps people a lot after a diagnosis and especially during treatment.”
7. Find a support group
More than 230,000 Americans were diagnosed with NSCLC in 2020 alone, according to the Lung Cancer Research Foundation (LCRF). The silver lining: Thousands of local and national support groups for people with lung cancer have sprung up as a result, according to Schweichler. The American Lung Association, Cancer Care, longevity, and many other organizations offer a variety of online, virtual, and in-person support groups for people battling the disease.
“There are other people like you out there,” says Schweichler. “Take advantage of opportunities to learn from their experience and seek their support. Support groups can be a wonderful source of information and support for both patients and caregivers. Additionally, connecting with a local or national lung cancer support and advocacy organization can provide valuable support and resources.”
