MY EMOTIONAL WELL BEING

MY EMOTIONAL WELL BEING8,9

Emotional wellbeing

Common Feelings

It is normal to feel sad and upset when told you have a cancer. Just as cancer affects your physical health, it can also bring a lot of mixed emotions – this does not mean that you are not coping, there is no right or wrong way to feel. Your feelings may change daily, hourly, or even minute to minute.

Common feelings that people experience include:

  • Shock and disbelief
  • Fear and uncertainty
  • Loss of control
  • Sorrow and sadness
  • Denial
  • Anger
  • Resentment
  • Blame and guilt
  • Withdrawal and isolation

Learning to Cope

There are a number ways to cope with your emotions such as:

  • Expressing your feelings – talk to family, friends, other cancer survivors, support groups or a counselor
  • Don’t blame yourself for the cancer - there were an estimated 14.1 million cancer cases around the world in 201210
  • Remain positive
  • Talk about your cancer as and when you feel up to it
  • Enjoy activities that help you to relax e.g. reading, yoga or meditation
  • Try to keep fit and healthy
Emotional wellbeing balance