Strategies for Maintaining Mental Wellness During Cholangiocarcinoma Therapy
Managing life with bile duct cancer isn't a walk in the park. It's a rollercoaster of appointments, treatments, and emotional turmoil. No wonder 72% of individuals diagnosed face symptoms of depression that make their daily lives a struggle, with around half reporting severe depression. Anxiety is common, too [1].
Melissa Walt, PsyD, a clinical psychologist who specializes in cancer support, understands the emotional toll this disease takes. "When you're dealing with cancer, it's quite normal to feel sad, scared, or worried," she says. "But what we see is that, especially in the early phases, some people get so caught up in taking care of their physical health during cancer that they neglect their mental health, whether intentionally or unintentionally."
Dr. Walt offers insights into the mental health aspects of living with bile duct cancer and strategies for caring for your emotional health during treatment and beyond.
The emotional hurdles on your cancer journey
The emotional impact of bile duct cancer is fluid and dependent on various factors such as prognosis, past experiences, coping strategies, support, financial situation, among others.
In the beginning, feelings may take a backseat as you focus on your physicalwellbeing. "The instinct can be, 'Ready-Set-Go' with taking care of your physical health, the tests and meetings with your oncologist and surgeons," explains Dr. Walt. It's later during treatment that some individuals pause to consider their feelings regarding cancer's emotional, social, and spiritual impact [2].
Remember, there's no "right" or "wrong" way to feel when you're living with bile duct cancer. Each person's experience and emotional response is unique [2].
Navigating the emotional maze
Your healthcare team can help you access mental health services. It's advisable to have these conversations early, even if you don't know what you need yet. Mental health support can come in various forms: individual therapy, support groups, online resources, and more [3][4].
Strategies to prioritize mental health
Just as there's no one-size-fits-all approach to emotional healing, there's also no definitive strategy to managing your emotions during bile duct cancer treatment. These suggestions, though, might help:
1. Relaxation techniques
Meditation, guided imagery, and focused breathing exercises can help calm your nerves and slow down your thoughts.
2. Complementary care
Complementary medicine techniques, such as massage, Reiki, tai chi, and yoga, can help reduce anxiety, stress, and improve fatigue [3].
3. Self-care
Doing activities that make you feel good is essential. This could be hooking up with friends for a meal, taking a relaxing bath, reading a book, or sitting outside on a nice day.
4. Body care
The physical well-being affects the emotional state, too. Focus on sleep, nutrition, and exercise to the extent you can.
5. Support
You're not alone. Utilize available professional mental health services and support groups to help you navigate your emotional journey with cancer.
Remember, your mind and body are interconnected, and caring for your mental health during bile duct cancer treatment will help keep your "machine" running optimally.
[1] Cholangiocarcinoma Foundation: Emotional Impact of Bile Duct Cancer[2] Cleveland Clinic: Bile Duct Cancer: Coping with the Emotional Challenges[3] Karmanos Cancer Institute: Supportive Services[4] National Cancer Institute: Integrative Approaches During Treatment[5] American Society of Clinical Oncology: Psychosocial Care in Cancer Supportive Care Guideline[6] Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center: Online Counseling and Support Groups for Cancer Patients and Families[7] American Cancer Society: How Cancer Changes Things: Coping with Emotions and People
- Managing both physical health and mental health is crucial in navigating the rollercoaster journey of bile duct cancer, as the emotional toll can significantly impact an individual's well-being.
- In the fight against bile duct cancer, it's essential to remember that taking care of one's mental health is just as important as addressing physical health issues, ensuring a balanced approach to health-and-wellness and mental-health.
