How to Deal With Emotional Side Effects of Stomach Cancer Treatment

Stomach (or gastric) cancer treatment is a difficult and challenging journey that comes with various side effects. One side effect that is often overlooked is the emotional impact it can have on patients. It can be mentally draining to cope with the emotional weight of the disease and can affect your mental state and outlook on life. A range of emotions from frustration and anger to sadness and fear can arise as you navigate through your cancer journey. It is important to acknowledge that coping with the emotional side effects of cancer treatment is equally crucial. While no one can fully understand what you are going through, there are ways to manage and cope with the emotional burden that comes with your cancer journey.

This article aims to shed light on some of these coping mechanisms and provide ways to manage your treatment in an emotionally healthy way. Remember to depend on the resources available to you and that you are stronger than you think. By accepting and managing the emotional side effects, you may alleviate some stress and gain a greater peace of mind.

Surgery, chemotherapy and other forms of gastric cancer treatment can bring about a number of emotional and mental challenges. The physical demands of these treatments can be overwhelming, affecting the mind as well.

Stress and anxiety

The thought of treatment itself can be scary and intimidating. You may be feeling worried and nervous about the pain that comes with treatment or if it is working in the first place. On top of that, coping with the demands of gastric cancer treatment can leave you feeling stressed and on edge. You may also be concerned about disruptions to your everyday life or the inability to do regular activities. All these emotions are symptoms of anxiety, which can also manifest physically in the form of headaches, heart palpitations or shortness of breath.

Sadness and depression

Receiving treatment for gastric cancer is understandably a big change in anyone’s life. You may feel overwhelming sadness over the loss of your health and the life you had before. You could also be experiencing low moods, hopelessness and a lack of motivation. If these feelings become stronger and do not go away, it may be a sign that you are suffering from depression. Other symptoms of this medical condition include appetite loss, insomnia and even thoughts of suicide.

Loneliness

Undergoing gastric cancer treatment can be a lonely experience. You may miss taking part in hobbies and activities you used to enjoy with your loved ones. You could also feel cut off from your closest family and friends because you think that no one can truly understand what you’re going through. Experiencing these feelings of loneliness and isolation is completely normal. While loneliness is common among cancer patients, it can lead to greater depressive and anxiety symptoms and a poorer quality of life.

If you are anxious, lonely or depressed, know that these feelings are not a sign of personal failure or weakness. They are experienced by many cancer patients. However, if these emotions are not addressed and persist for a long time, there may be serious consequences to your daily life and your relationships. It can also make it increasingly difficult to make decisions about your care and following through with your treatment plans.

It is essential to prioritize your emotional health to avoid any potential negative effects on your overall well-being. By taking care of your emotional needs, you are better equipped to handle the challenges of daily life and maintain healthy relationships with those around you.

To address these challenges, it is essential to access tools and resources that can help manage them. With the right approach, you can navigate this journey easier.

Learning how to manage your mental health and recognizing the effects of treatment on your well-being can alleviate negative emotions and give you the strength to overcome the challenges in your treatment journey. Here are some ways to cope with the emotional effects of your gastric cancer treatment.

Reach out to family and friends for support

Spending quality time with loved ones can help to relieve the emotional and mental burden you are currently experiencing. As some of your most trusted confidants, they can offer emotional support by providing comfort and a listening ear. Some may even be able to give you more tangible forms of support, such as accompanying you to doctor’s appointments and chemotherapy sessions.

Seek advice from your care team

Be it your medical specialists or family doctor, speaking to a trusted healthcare professional can be very helpful in managing the mental distress caused by treatment. In addition to providing emotional support, they can refer you to other trained experts, such as licensed counselors and social workers, if you need further assistance with your mental health. Their experience in treating patients who have undergone similar treatments gives them a deeper understanding of the tools and resources required to provide you with the highest level of care and support. Be assured that you are in good hands with their knowledge and expertise.

Find ways to relax

Practicing meditation and other relaxation techniques can go a long way in easing your anxiety and stress. Mindfulness practices have the potential to relieve stress and fatigue and improve coping and well-being among cancer patients. They can also sharpen your ability to focus and are easy on the body. If you’re unsure how to get started, many cancer treatment centers host programs where they help people with cancer and their caregivers pick up the basics of these techniques.

Maintain a healthy lifestyle

Research has shown that staying active during cancer treatment has positive effects on both the mind and body. Light exercises like simple walks in the park can lift your spirits and distract you from negative thoughts. Eating a nutritious and balanced diet also plays an important role in boosting your immunity and reducing treatment-related inflammation. Consult your care team on the recommended physical activity and diet that works best for you. These new endeavors can serve as a healthy distraction that shifts your focus towards adopting a new lifestyle.

Join a support group near you

Support groups are a great way to meet other people who have similar, first-hand experiences with cancer. They provide a safe space to talk comfortably about your feelings and concerns. This is useful not only in relieving stress and helping you feel more understood, but also in feeling less alone by listening to their circumstances. Support groups are also a place to discuss practical information, such as the management of treatment-related side effects. Discussing these topics could ease your feelings of helplessness as you cope with cancer treatment.

If you’re interested in joining a cancer support group, ask your care team if your hospital or medical center is hosting any for their patients. Apart from that, social workers can also connect you to cancer support groups in your wider community.

The emotional side effects of gastric cancer treatment can be profound, even affecting various areas of your life that you may not have considered. Find ways to manage them that work best for you and never forget to rely on your loved ones and any resources available to make your journey easier.