Mental Health Resources For Survivors
- A thyroid cancer diagnosis can lead to significant distress and worry — this is normal and patients should know there are resources available to them.
- Despite the fear triggered by the word “cancer,” thyroid cancer often has an excellent prognosis, with most patients resuming normal lives post-treatment.
- Holistic, patient-focused care — including emotional support, counseling, and survivor networks — can help reduce some of these emotional burdens.
- Many patients find solace in connecting with other survivors who have been through similar struggles by joining support groups or communities. Others benefit tremendously from mental health treatment and seeking the care of a professional. Ask your doctor for resources available to you.
The psychological impact can be particularly strong on those who are young, have struggled with mental health conditions previously, or have to undergo more intensive treatment like chemotherapy and radiation.
Read MoreCoping With Stressful Feelings
As Dr. Oltmann explains, your feelings around a cancer diagnosis may vary a great deal — from fear to anger to uncertainty about the future.
“When patients have heard the word ‘cancer’ being spoken in the same sentence as ‘you have,’ or ‘it is’ that all of a sudden has a huge overwhelming association of feelings that really are visceral. There are overwhelming fears about the longevity of your life and chemotherapy and somehow becoming disfigured one way or the other, not being able to accomplish all the things that you set out and thought that you were going to be able to do,” she explains.
Patients should understand, though, that thyroid cancer is known to have an excellent and promising prognosis if appropriately treated. Patients will often have their lives back to normal and live longer with minimal impact. It is essential to set these metrics with patients from the beginning so they can understand the reality behind the diagnosis and that, even though the path will require patience and persistence, the final results have a huge potential for cure.
“The prognosis of thyroid cancer for the vast majority of patients is outstanding. The vast majority of people are going to live their long and natural life, and the vast majority of patients are never going to need any type of chemotherapy or traditional radiation treatment,” she explains.
Where to Seek Support
Many people living with cancer find solace in speaking to other survivors who have been through similar challenges and joining support groups.
Unfortunately, many doctors rely on giving medical facts to reassure patients, focusing on low chances of serious problems. While this information is helpful, it may not always address the emotional effects of a thyroid cancer diagnosis.
Dr. Oltmann explains that, as a survivor herself, she tries to remind patients that it’s OK to be struggling with difficult feelings after a diagnosis, and resources are avilable.
“I also talk to them about giving themselves grace while they try to get their mind and their heart on the same page because the mind can take in new information, but the heart is still in shock about the ‘cancer’ word,” she explains.
If you’re struggling, remember to speak up: let your care team know what you’re experiencing, ask about available support services, and seek help that makes you feel more confident in managing your health.
For some patients, that might mean seeking the care of a mental health professional, making lifestyle adjustments, or getting on medication.
Treatment to address mental health issues can include a myriad of approaches, such as:
- Seeking professional help from a psychiatrist or therapist
- Learning healthy coping skills
- Medication such as antidepressants
- Adding more physical activity to your routine
- Adjusting your sleep schedule
- Connecting with others via support groups
- Mindfulness and meditation
Check out SurvivorNet’s designated resources for patients struggling with their mental health after a diagnosis.
Moving On After Treatment
Living with a sense of determination and gratitude can be really helpful during the cancer journey — but it’s not always easy. It also helps to have a solid support system of friends and family, as well as a doctor or medical team you feel comfortable reaching out to.
To ease feelings or isolation and anxiety that can come with a diagnosis, some doctors encourage their patients to return to their preferred and enjoyable activities — this could mean returning to work (if you needed to take time off), embracing a creative outlet, or getting back to your favorite community or social activities.
There are also many good movements on social media intending to spread awareness of cancer and support groups — some of which meet virtually for ease.
“My surgery was 16 years ago now, and I’m still doing all the same things that I was planning on doing,” Dr. Oltmann says of her own experience with cancer.
“It didn’t stop me from accomplishing what I wanted to accomplish, and everyone has different goals that they want to accomplish, and this isn’t going to stop you from accomplishing what you want either.”
Questions To Ask Your Doctor
- Where can I seek support if I’m struggling with anxiety and negative feelings?
- Is it possible for treatment to impact my mood?
- What are some activities I can do to improve my mental health?
- Do you know of any support groups or communities for people in my situation?
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