The Connection Between Cancer and Mental Health
The cancer journey is a complex and emotionally challenging experience for the patient, their family, and their loved ones. Along with the physical toll of the disease and its treatments, patients often face significant mental and emotional health challenges. Therefore, addressing mental health needs is a crucial part of cancer care, and cancer patients must have access to comprehensive support services, including social workers and psychologists.
Cancer patients face various mental health challenges, such as anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) brought on by the diagnosis, the treatment process, or the uncertainty of the future. Cancer patients may also experience feelings of isolation, loss of control, and fear of the unknown. These overwhelming emotions may lead to social, emotional, and financial stress.
To address these mental health challenges, cancer patients need access to comprehensive services that can support them in different ways. Social workers can help patients navigate the medical and insurance systems, access financial assistance, and connect them with resources to meet their needs. Social workers also help patients and their families with emotional and social support, including counseling, support groups, and education.
Psychologists are critical in addressing cancer patients' emotional and psychological needs. They can help patients manage their feelings of anxiety, depression, and PTSD, as well as help them find ways to cope with the uncertainty of the future. Psychologists may use a range of therapies, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), or mindfulness-based interventions, to help patients manage their symptoms and improve their quality of life.
In addition to the direct support that social workers and psychologists can provide, these services can also help patients feel more empowered and in control of their care. Providing patients with the tools they need to manage their mental health can help them feel more confident in managing the cancer journey.
It is essential that cancer patients have access to comprehensive services, including social workers and psychologists, to support them through the emotional and mental health challenges of the cancer journey. These services can help patients manage their symptoms, improve their quality of life, and provide them with the tools they need to cope with the challenges of cancer. Furthermore, research has demonstrated that individuals who received mental health treatment experienced fewer symptoms of depression and longer average survival times compared to those with more symptoms. Patients who seek treatment typically observe an enhancement in their overall physical condition, are more inclined to adhere to medical care, and experience an improved quality of life.
At NYCBS, mental health is an integral part of cancer care to ensure patients and their families have greater confidence that they will receive the support they need to manage this difficult journey every step of the way.
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