Let’s face it, dealing with an illness like cancer can make you think about a lot. It’s especially true with something like follicular lymphoma where treatment can be lengthy and challenging. In between the scans, chemo, and doctor visits, we often forget about another super important part of recovery – our minds. It’s important to remember that our mental health is especially vulnerable during the treatment process, so it’s vital to seek help if you feel like you need some support.
Treatment for follicular lymphoma is a slow and steady process, so it’s understandable that this lengthy treatment journey might have us feeling quite low. When we’re dealing with the symptoms of treatments such as chemotherapy, it’s only natural to feel a whirlwind of emotions, from fear to loss of control.
But if our feelings start to morph into constant stress or anxiety, it’s essential to acknowledge our mental health throughout the healing journey of our physical health, and take steps to improve our emotional wellbeing.
While cancer journeys are undoubtedly challenging, positive psychology can play a significant role in improving mental health. Positive psychology focuses on cultivating happiness, resilience, and mental wellbeing, which can act as buffer zones against psychological distress.
Incorporating simple practices such as maintaining a gratitude journal, mindfulness meditation, or seeking social support can make a huge difference. They can help reinforce positivity, reduce stress levels, and make the journey more manageable.
Of course, professional help should also be sought when necessary. Therapists can provide cognitive-behavioural strategies to cope with emotional distress, enhancing resilience during the cancer journey.
When it comes to managing our mental health throughout our treatment journey, talking therapy is a fantastic support method. Counselling is a lifeline when we’re coming to terms with a follicular lymphoma diagnosis. It’s a safe space to unpack the rollercoaster of emotions, get some helpful tips to handle the stress and anxiety, and figure out how to talk about what we’re going through.
Having someone to talk to is also really helpful when we’re navigating our relationships with family and friends, and those around us who are supporting us through our treatment journey. Sometimes, communication with the ones we love can get confusing, and can often result in hurt for both parties – that’s where group counselling sessions come in. Group support is a great way to share our feelings and support each other in a space where everyone understands what it’s like to live with follicular lymphoma.
Small changes can really help us manage stress and anxiety throughout our treatment journey. Implementing coping strategies throughout your everyday life can make your mental health a bit more manageable, and give you a greater peace of mind.
Mindfulness and meditation can be game-changers when we’re going through treatment. By helping us stay in the present moment, these practices can dial down worries about what’s next and let go of past stress. They’re like mental workouts that build up emotional muscles, making it easier to handle tough times.
By practicing regularly, you can keep stress in check, boost your mood, and face the ups and downs of lymphoma with a stronger, more positive mindset. Even dedicating as little as 10 minutes per day or week to a short meditation session can really help to shift your mental wellbeing. If you’re struggling to focus, a guided meditation video can really help you to shift your mind away from the noise of everyday life, and just simply be present in the moment.
Staying connected during follicular lymphoma treatment is crucial for both emotional and practical support. Our friends and family offer a listening ear, words of encouragement, and sometimes even hands-on help when things get tough. Even when physical visits aren’t possible, thanks to technology, patients can keep in touch via video calls, texts, or social media.
These connections act as reminders that you’re not alone in your journey, and they provide a network of people who can uplift your spirits, share information, or simply offer a distraction from the rigours of treatment. Staying connected fosters a sense of belonging and provides a vital emotional anchor during challenging times.
Distraction can be a welcome relief during follicular lymphoma treatment, acting as a mental “breather” from the continuous cycle of medical appointments, treatments, and worries. Engaging in activities that divert attention can help reduce anxiety, elevate mood, and provide a sense of normalcy.
Whether it’s delving into a gripping book, binge-watching a favourite show, taking up a hobby, or simply enjoying music, these distractions can temporarily transport you away from the realities of treatment.
