How to manage emotions during cancer

Many people find it difficult to live with such changing and intense emotions . In crisis situations, emotions sooner or later will appear. There is no use trying not to feel them. When we ignore or repress them, what usually happens is that they emerge at the least indicated moments and in the most inappropriate way.

Keep in mind that the fact that you do not have a positive attitude will not affect the possible evolution of your disease, do not feel guilty about it. But, yes, do not abandon yourself to sadness and despondency. How you deal with illness influences your quality of life. 

Tips for managing emotions

The following tips may be helpful: 

1. Express what you feel

The feelings of sadness, anger or fear are as normal as those of happiness, calmness or placidity. Feeling them doesn’t mean being weak, don’t feel guilty about it. 

Be aware that illness and treatments are causing new and difficult situations. Be tolerant of yourself and show yourself acceptance and respect , even when you feel weakest. It is the best way for anger, fear and / or sadness to lose strength and begin to have some control over them.  

2. Share your feelings

Joy, dejection, anger, fear, surprise … are feelings that need to be aired. The best way to do this is to share them with others. This does not mean that you have to express your feelings to everyone, look for that person or people you trust to talk about how you feel.  

3. Let yourself be helped

Many people make superhuman efforts to control themselves. They are terrified that emotions will appear because they do not know how to handle them. Often, this effort to contain oneself is useless and increases emotional tension , so that the discomfort ends up exploding uncontrollably (crying attack, excessive fury, etc.). Express your discomfort when it is still low intensity. Talking will help you realize what really worries you and will allow you to take enough distance to find a solution.  

4. Control thoughts

People react differently to the same stress situation. It is not only events that cause emotions, but also our interpretation of them. The same event can provoke different emotions, depending on how it is interpreted. Although there are very problematic situations, it is usually the internal dialogue riddled with negative, unrealistic and exaggerated thoughts that create and maintain unnecessary suffering. 

Do not anticipate problems that you are not sure will occur . When you foresee that you may have to face a difficult situation, analyze it as objectively as possible to find solutions and prepare to face it. If you don’t feel capable of dealing with it, seek help. 

5. Activate your body and mind

Keep your mind busy with useful and enjoyable activities. Inactivity favors the appearance of negative thoughts.

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The information provided by this means cannot, in any way, replace a direct health care service, nor should it be used for the purpose of establishing a diagnosis, or choosing a treatment in particular cases.
In this service no recommendation will be made, explicitly or implicitly, about drugs, techniques, products, etc … that will be cited for informational purposes only.
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