Psychology, cancer and depression
Cancer and depression don't have to go hand in hand.
When a woman is diagnosed with cancer, she first suffers a significant 'emotional shock', can't believe the news.
As you accept it, the anguish, anxiety, fear of treatments, stress, sadness, sleep and appetite disturbances…
In the case of women, the breast cancer as more frequent, it usually also affects self-esteem or sexuality (body changes that are difficult to accept).
Women sometimes isolate themselves from their feelings. They don't want to worry their family and therefore tend to need that more. Psychological Support.
Cancer and depression: how to mitigate its negative effects
The woman may experience guilt, mental block, impotence... In addition, she usually goes through different stages as her illness progresses.
These stages are complicated, surgical intervention is indicated as the least stressor On a psychological level. The difficult part comes later, if they have to undergo chemotherapy. Losing their hair is what affects them the most.
The psychological impact of seeing oneself hairless is brutal. It's the image most often repeated when they think about their illness. They often fear the associated fatigue, stomach discomfort, etc.
They are afraid of pain, of feeling ill, of the damage of being intravenous…
The most important thing is that the woman continues to have a good quality of life
Try alleviate the negative side effects It is important; with good eating habits and health and sleep hygiene, for example.
Various studies indicate that between 20% and 60% of cancer patients experience diagnosed symptoms of depression.
Research in psycho-oncology also demonstrates that Patients who undergo psychological treatment have fewer negative effects in the reactions to their illness and also manifest better long-term recovery, your mood stabilizes and your overall quality of life improves significantly.
The result of receiving psychological help is that women with cancer better accept and understand their illness and treatment. They accept that their lives have changed and that they must move forward.
Article written by the clinical psychologist Elena Iracheta Ruiz.
If you found this article interesting and would like to be seen by a professional expert in Psycho-Oncology, the Women's Unit at Ruber International Hospital has a specialized unit in this area. You can request more information by calling 917303673. make an appointment for an in-person consultation Or make an appointment for an online consultation if you prefer remote consultations—always with the best specialists.