EMOTIONAL WELL BEING

Coming to Terms with your Emotions

All Feelings are Normal

While being told you have cancer is a Shock. How you react to the news is very personal. There is no right or wrong way to respond. There are many common Reactions and emotions that people experience when they learn they have cancer as well as during and after their treatment Among them are

• Fear
• Anger
• Sadness
• Depression
• Confusion
• Loneliness 
• Crying
• Changes in Appetite 
• Changes in Sleep
• Poor Concentration
• Difficulty making decisions
• Irritability
• Sense of unreality
• Feeling a loss of Control
• Irrational thoughts

you may experience none , some or all of these reactions. These Feelings will come and go and are influenced by your own unique personality. Where you are in your treatment how you are feeling physically your ability to acknowledge and express your emotions and the amount of personal support, financial support or stress you have in your life.

Understand what you feel.

Whatever you are going through, try to respect what you are feeling it will help if you can find ways to express your feelings rather than bottling them up inside That way there's less chance that your feelings will overwhelm you.

Talk about your concerns

Sharing your emotions is an important step toward regaining a sense of control If talking is difficult for you. you might find writing in a journal or dairy helpful.

Many people with cancer say that being with other people who understand what they are going through is one of the best ways to release their feelings and cope with their concerns. Find what works for you. You may seek help from family, Friends other cancer survivors. Support groups.