The Significance of Mental Health for Individuals Affected by Cancer (And Why It's So Important for Children Too)

Cancer affects everything, not just the body. A diagnosis can completely upend a person's existence, both emotionally and physically. However, there is one aspect of the cancer journey that is frequently overlooked. Mental health. And it’s not just about the person dealing with cancer - it’s also about their families, including the children.

We often hear about the physical struggles associated with cancer, but mental health is equally crucial and can significantly impact a person's ability to cope with treatment, how they heal, and how they move forward. It's important to understand the significance of mental health for both adults and children when cancer enters the picture.

The Emotional Aspect of Cancer

A person has a lot to process when they are diagnosed with cancer. Shock, grief, fear, and even anger are just a few of the feelings that may be experienced.  You’re going through treatment, dealing with side effects, and trying to make decisions about your future. All of that can take a serious toll on your mental health. And it’s not always easy to talk about it. People frequently overlook the emotional and mental sides of the journey because they concentrate so much on the physical aspects of the illness, such as chemotherapy, surgery, and radiation.

One crucial point, though, is that mental health and physical health are equally vital. Treatment is far more difficult for someone who is sad, worried, or overwhelmed. Mental health care isn’t an afterthought - it should be part of one’s holistic treatment plan.

Cancer and Children - They’re Affected Too

It’s not just the person going through cancer who feels the impact - it’s the whole family, including children. When a parent or sibling gets cancer, children can get confused, scared, or even feel guilty. They may not fully comprehend what cancer is, but they are undoubtedly aware that something is up.

The way kids process might not always make sense to adults. Some children may withdraw, act out, or simply appear different. Younger children may experience nightmares or difficulty falling asleep. Teenagers might get angry or become distant. With cancer in the picture, they can be struggling too, and it’s really important that they get the support they need.

Children need a safe place to talk about their feelings, just like adults do. They need to understand that it’s okay to feel scared or sad, and also that it’s okay to ask for help. Therapy, support groups, or even honest conversations at home can make a huge difference in how they navigate the stress of cancer.

The Importance of Mental Health Support

Mental health support is crucial for anybody dealing with cancer, whether they are a parent, caregiver, or child. Here’s why:

Small and steady habits could look like:

1.Uncertainty is Hard to Manage: Life is so unpredictable when you have cancer. Anxiety can be greatly increased when you don't know what will happen next. Everyone can manage that stress with the help of mental health support.

2. Improved Quality of Life: General well-being is linked to mental health.  When people tend to their emotional needs, it can make the whole day-to-day experience of life more manageable. You're concentrating on feeling as good as you can on a mental and emotional level in addition to your physical health.

3. Breaking the Stigma: Mental health is still stigmatized, particularly in difficult circumstances like cancer. People often feel that they must "stay strong" and keep their feelings to themselves. But the truth is, it’s okay to feel what you’re feeling - and seeking support is a sign of strength, not weakness.

4. Tools for Stress Management Tools Are Essential: Having useful coping mechanisms is crucial, whether through therapy, creative efforts like writing or drawing, or simply talking things out with someone who understands. These types of tools assist both adults and children in managing the emotional burden of cancer.

How Can Mental Health Be Made a Priority?

Here are some actions you can do to prioritize mental health if you or someone you love is dealing with cancer:

• Talk About It: If you’re feeling overwhelmed, anxious, or depressed, it’s okay to talk about it. Your mental health matters just as much as your physical health. Whether it’s talking to a therapist, your doctor, or a friend, don’t be afraid to reach out.

• Encourage Children to Express Themselves: If you’re a parent, caregiver or other loved one, make sure children feel comfortable sharing their emotions. They may not always know how to express themselves, and fostering an open environment where children feel comfortable sharing can have a significant impact. When it comes to helping children and teenagers through a parent's cancer journey, our program partners at Wonders & Worries can be a valuable resource.

• Seek Support: There are support groups out there for people dealing with cancer - and for their families too. Finding people who are going through something similar can be incredibly comforting.

• The Power of Therapy: Children and adults alike can benefit greatly from therapy as they deal with the emotional aspects of cancer. Therapy can assist in providing tools for managing fear, anxiety, and sadness. Flatwater provides access to mental health therapy in the wake of cancer, connecting individuals, couples, and families with specialized mental health support at any stage of the journey. If we can help you take the first step toward making your mental health a priority, please get in touch with us. Sometimes the toughest part is getting started.

Practice Relaxation: Things like yoga, meditation, and breathing exercises can be helpful for some people in managing stress and promoting mental well-being. Even a few minutes a day practicing any of these tools can have a significant impact.

Mental Health is Part of Cancer Care, 365 Days a Year

Cancer is tough. It is physically draining, emotionally hard and mentally taxing. But one thing we can’t overlook is mental health. It is as important as physical health and must be given the same attention and care. No matter if you are an adult or a child, taking care of your mental health can make a world of difference in how you deal with cancer.

May is Mental Health Awareness Month, but this is one issue that can and should be talked about 365 days a year.

So today and every day - let’s talk about it. Let’s make sure we’re checking in with each other - physically, mentally and emotionally. Because cancer affects more than the body, and so should cancer care. Mental health always matters.