We are all aware of the damage to physical health caused by cancer, in fact, once diagnosed, a treatment plan is developed to deal with, attack and, if possible, overcome it. But the importance of having psychological well-being in the process is often overlooked.
Suffering from a disease like cancer can influence the development of other psychological pathologies, so certain psychological disorders and emotional discomfort prevail in the general population, but what cancer factors play an important role in mental health?Let’s see below.
“The most important thing in the disease is not to be discouraged. -Nikolai Lenin-
In particular, being hospitalized influences the development of adaptive disorders, it also influences the deterioration of physical functioning, as well as the feeling of becoming a burden on others, but not only that, the same is true of the initial adaptation to treatments, after experience with stress and perception of social support.
In particular, in terms of depression, the age or age of the disease will play an important role. In addition, there are other factors such as the physical aftermath of treatment, the fact that there is a psychological background or poorly perceived social support.
“Cancer can take away all my physical abilities. But can’t you touch my mind, my heart, and my soul?”- Jim Valvano-
There is also a risk of ideas of suicide, in this it influences that the state of cancer is advanced and that its prognosis is bad, at the same time the presence of depression, feelings of helplessness, uncontrollability, increased physical symptoms, psychopathological history and a history of suicide attempts involve a risk.
Finally, the prevalence of anxiety disorders has also been found to be higher, being younger, having anxiety tendencies or personal difficulties increases the risk of developing an anxiety disorder, but physical factors such as advanced disease, treatment status, relapse, pharmacological toxicity or uncontrolled acute pain also contribute.
Since cancer patients have a real and high risk that their psychological health will deteriorate, in addition to their physical health, it is important to pay attention to any problems that may arise, as it is common for the aforementioned disorders to develop emotional discomfort or feelings. anxiety or sadness.
How do these psychological problems affect these people’s overall health?In fact, they become an additional risk as they can be the direct cause of various physical complications. Depression, for example, involves a decrease in healthy habits and can even lead to abandonment. treatment, or part of it is not respected.
“Cancer is a disease in which the patient can greatly help himself if he can maintain morale and hope. -George Carman-
In general, these additional difficulties may mean that patients need more medical services; when it comes to cancer treatment, this affects its adherence; it can also make decision-making difficult; on the other hand, there may be less satisfaction with health care. care or over-demand.
It is important to be aware of the mental health of people diagnosed with cancer, in the face of any warning signs, we recommend that you consult a psychologist specialized in this area, no one is in a better position to evaluate the patient and plan therapy with the patient to help him maintain good mental health, something that, as we have seen, will have a very positive influence on the prognosis of the cancer itself.
In fact, the patient can have an active coping and strategies of change, in this way he will be able to face more adaptively all the emotion that is generated in these situations, and will be able to balance better. This has been shown to improve adherence to medical treatment, so clinical progression and therefore quality of life improve with psychological intervention.
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