A cancer diagnosis is a crisis situation that releases a lot of tension and stress. The clash with our own mortality, fear for the future and the effectiveness of treatment - all this makes us constantly vigilant and agitated. Our nervous system is on maximum alert. Can we help it?
Firstly, we need to shorten the perspective and divide the treatment plan into stages. And it is on these individual stages that we should focus our attention. Each stage of treatment will bring with it different challenges, and thus emotions, which we also need to take care of.
Which is why we need to give ourselves permission to experience, to feel. Emotions are information about what is happening inside us. We need to experience them, authentically and consciously. If you need to – cry, scream. This often brings relief and thus creates space within us for new strength..
An important aspect of taking care of your psychophysical well-being is using the support network. Don't isolate yourself from your loved ones. Give them a "self-instruction" - tell them about your needs, what is soothing for you now and what is not. This will allow you to receive the support you need, and it will be an important clue for your loved ones. Talk, be silent, cuddle (this is a quick recipe for endorphins and oxytocin). Remember also about specialist support – a psycho-oncologist, psychiatrist, as well as support groups and patient groups.
The next step is to focus on things that we can actually influence. We need to feel agency. We have an influence on how we take care of our sleep hygiene, diet, physical activity, also how we take care of our relaxation and daily, small routines of self-care. We have an influence on the implementation of medical recommendations. All of this is your sphere of influence.
And the last one – we need to create as many rituals of life beyond illness as possible. Healing, recovery – let it be a part of your life now, but not its only element. Listen to your body, learn to manage your energy resources again and do as many of the things that bring you joy and that are important to you as possible.
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mgr Katarzyna Binkiewicz
