Summary: Learn strategies for managing emotional challenges after transplant, the benefits of peer support and professional counseling, and how to seek help online and in your community. A stem cell transplant can be emotionally challenging and disrupt normal life and relationships, at least for a time. Acknowledging these challenges and cultivating social and professional support can help restore emotional health. This presentation describes common emotions patients feel after transplant and some effective methods for coping with them.
Presenter: Harold Dean MSW, LCSW, OSW-C Social Work Program Manager, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences. Meet Mr. Dean: [ Ссылка ]
To read the transcript, go to: [ Ссылка ]
Highlights:
- About half of all cancer patients report feeling emotional distress at some point during treatment and recovery.
- Emotional challenges can be greatest when treatment ends. Family and friends often expect everything to “get back to normal” right away. It is important to let people know about ongoing needs even after medical treatment has ended.
- There is a difference between occasional depressive feelings and ongoing clinical depression. Medication or counseling may be needed to diagnose and effectively treat clinical depression.
Presented at the 2021 Celebrating Life a Second Chance at Life Virtual Symposium, April 17-23, 2021.
Presentation is 36 minutes long with 20 minutes of Q & A.
Key Points:
(03:12) Patients often describe cancer as a “whirlwind” that has ripple effects that overflow and impact many areas of our lives.
(05:29) The mind-body connection means that maintaining our physical health with good nutrition and exercise is important in managing our emotional health as well.
(09:21) Exercise has many benefits. “Spending energy to get energy” means that exercise can reduce fatigue while also reducing stress.
(13:09) There are many tips for good sleep hygiene that patients can use to improve sleep and reap its full benefits.
(17:00) Common emotions after transplant include depression, loss, grief, fear, anxiety, and guilt.
(23:14) Cancer diagnosis and treatment can alter our roles in intimate relationships and their emotional dynamics, but effective communication about them can draw people closer together and strengthen the relationship.
(26:22) Clear, open communication with one’s children is also crucial. Children are good observers but poor interpreters so explaining one’s cancer diagnosis and treatment in language they can understand is important.
(30:42) Fear of cancer recurring is common but worrying about it is debilitating and can sap our energy.
(31:22) Living one day at a time can be an effective antidote to ongoing fear and anxieties. Mindfulness, journaling, and engaging in favorite activities are good techniques for living in the present moment.
(33:48) Understanding your diagnosis, relying on supportive people and belief systems, and organized support groups can all help meet the emotional challenges of having cancer.
Meet the speaker: [ Ссылка ]
WHO WE ARE: BMT InfoNet is dedicated to providing patients and their loved ones with emotional support and high quality, easy-to-understand information about blood stem cell transplants (bone marrow, peripheral blood and cord blood) and other cellular therapies. Whether you are just beginning your transplant or cellular therapy journey, or learning to manage the joys and challenges of survivorship,
BMT InfoNet is here to help before, during and after treatment. Our goal is to empower you with credible information and emotional support, so that you can take a more active role in decisions affecting your health. [ Ссылка ]
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