Managing Your Mental Health During and After Colorectal Cancer Treatment

Facing colorectal cancer is an emotionally challenging journey, impacting not only your physical health but also taking a toll on your mental well-being. Understanding and addressing the mental and emotional aspects of colorectal cancer treatment is crucial for overall well-rounded care.

By the time your diagnosis has been confirmed, your doctors will also begin recommending treatment options. It doesn’t help that you might get lost in the jargon, on top of the fear, anxiety, and uncertainty about the future you might experience. The first thing you need to remember is that it’s okay to feel confused, lost and uncertain. Life has dealt you a difficult hand, but there are ways to overcome it.

Colorectal cancer treatments can be complicated, often involving different procedures and regimens, not to mention the side effects that often accompany them. It's normal to worry about the potential impact of treatment on your life. Throughout your treatment, your body will undergo physical changes, and you may feel frustrated from the fatigue and disrupted daily routine.

To help ease your mind, open communication with your care team is key. Ask as many questions as you need to about your treatment and its side effects. Your doctors are there to help and support you. On days when the treatment side effects are difficult to bear, opt to distract yourself by engaging in activities that can alleviate the mental burden. Remember also to keep your doctors abreast of any pain you experience, as they can prescribe medication to help with pain management.

At times during your treatment, you may also experience small spots of positivity. The idea that you could be rid of cancer after a few more weeks can give you a sense of hope and resilience to power through your treatment. Acknowledging these positive emotions can be empowering and contribute to a more optimistic outlook. Sharing your positive feelings with your support group and loved ones can also help you grow an optimistic mindset.

Upon completing treatment, it’s normal to have mixed feelings. On the one hand, you might be relieved, especially if the treatment has successfully removed the cancer. On the other hand, you may also worry about the cancer coming back, or that the treatment was not a 100% success. You may even have concerns about the long-lasting effects of treatment, particularly if an ostomy was required and you now wear a stoma bag.

Give yourself time to wind down from finishing your treatment. It is a lot to process, and speaking with your doctors about your recurrent cancer risk may help alleviate your concerns. Begin to slowly integrate yourself into a ‘new normal’ — celebrate milestones, small and big, and don’t rush yourself into resuming normal life. Allow yourself to feel accomplished for every step you take forward. It’s okay if you still struggle along the way. Seeking professional counseling and joining survivorship programs can also help you navigate this phase in life.

Most importantly, be kind to yourself. You’ve overcome a difficult, challenging period, of which you can be proud of.