Facing a cancer diagnosis is one of the most devastating events in a person’s life, but letting that create stress, depression, and anxiety can only worsen the situation. Science has shown us that an upbeat and positive attitude can work wonders in helping people beat cancer. How does one fight off depression in the face of a potentially terminal illness? It’s not easy, but there are ways to keep hope alive.
Know Your Triggers
Staying positive throughout cancer treatments largely hinges on identifying your triggers, or those thoughts, words, or situations that send you into a downward spiral. Once you know what specific things cause you to focus on the negative, you’re better able to control your thoughts. Included here is learning not to fear the unknown or to make negative predictions about your progress.
Instead, Focus on the Good
When you come face to face with a trigger, think about the blessings in your life. They don’t have to be major achievements. They can be small things, like the love of your family, a happy memory, or your favorite pets. Anything that brings a smile to your face is something for which you can be grateful.
Recognize the Moments, Good and Bad
No matter how positive you try to be, you will have bad days. Many cancer patients stress the idea that it’s important to have those bad days and let them play out, while recognizing that that’s all they are. Bad moments that will pass. Alternatively, the good days that include small victories should be celebrated. Cancer patients should spend equal time relishing in each success, no matter how small it may seem.
Keep Contact with Friends
Many women keep the results of their breast cancer prognostics secret, preferring to maintain a degree of privacy, while enduring treatment. This is often a mistake. Friendships can help cancer patients manage depression, especially following difficult chemo or radiation treatments. In addition to the support, staying in touch with friends can help patients maintain a sense of routine and normalcy in their lives.
Lend Your Support
One major way that cancer patients keep positive and stay strong in their own fight is by lending support to others. They may join a cancer support group in their area hospital or they may visit other cancer patients. By connecting with others facing similar situations, cancer patients no longer feel as alone. They draw strength from talking to others and develop new friendships along the way.
Keep Physical Reminders of Your Loved Ones
Another way cancer patients maintain a healthy, positive attitude is by keeping mementos and other reminders of their loved ones. These may be photographs, greeting cards, or gifts. Anything that reminds them that they have the support of others helps to maintain a good frame of mind. It can be especially helpful on those bad days, when they feel most alone and depressed.
Volunteer to Pet-Sit
There’s a reason some hospitals allow therapy dogs to visit cancer patients. The unconditional love of a pet is one of the best ways to stay happy and positive. It’s nearly impossible to pet a dog or a cat and still feel down. For that reason, some cancer patients volunteer at veterinary clinics or animal shelters, while others place classified ads to work as pet sitters. In addition to the joy of playing with a pet, being able to care for animals gives patients something to focus on and takes their thoughts off of the cancer treatments.
Laugh Often
Maintain a sense of humor, even if it means laughing at yourself. Laughter really is the best medicine, so tell jokes and watch your favorite comedies. Again, it will give you something positive to focus on.
Fighting cancer can sometimes seem like a futile experience, but remaining positive is the key to a successful outcome. Science has shown that survival rates are highest among patients who maintain a positive outlook. Rely on friends and family for support and look for new ways to find the good in your life.
