When a child is diagnosed with cancer, self-care is often the last thing on your mind. Medical professionals may say, “You have to take care of yourself to take care of your child,” but putting that into practice can feel nearly impossible. The truth is, self-care doesn’t have to be elaborate; it can be found in small moments of calm in between the storm.
You may feel the weight of responsibility to care for everyone, especially your sick child, and in doing so, may lose sight of your own needs. This emotional, physical, and mental toll can be exhausting. While accepting help can feel difficult, trying to navigate this journey alone is even harder. There’s strength in leaning on family, friends, your community, and hospital staff for support.
No one is ever prepared to hear the words, “your child has cancer.” The flood of emotions that follows, such as fear, anxiety, and overwhelm, is completely normal. While there’s no way to eliminate all the stress that comes with caring for a seriously ill child, there are ways to cope. Prioritizing even small acts of self-care can make a meaningful difference during this incredibly challenging time.
DON’T BE AFRAID TO ASK FOR HELP
It might feel strange to ask for help from family and friends, but they want to support you. Often, they simply don’t know how. Allowing others to take on some of life’s everyday tasks can ease your burden and give them a meaningful way to contribute. Consider letting someone babysit your other children, prepare meals, or run errands. Even small gestures can make a big difference.
DON’T FORGET YOUR BASIC NEEDS
There are so many temptations to skip meals, showers, or neglect your basic self-care activities such as exercising and getting a good night’s sleep. These small acts add up, taking care of your body can give you the energy you need to continue taking care of yourself and your family.
TAKE BREAKS
Stepping away for a short time can help. Next time your child is sleeping or undergoing treatment, take a few minutes for yourself. Consider stepping outside and getting some fresh air. Studies show that walking helps your body release endorphins, or “feel good” chemicals which can help to improve your mood.
SELF-CARE TIPS
Get creative when it comes to self-care. Self-care can be as small as taking a couple of minutes to put on a face mask, write in a journal, or exercise. Whatever works for you, make sure you’re taking some time for yourself. Try to create a self-care routine. It can be easier to stick with something when you consistently make the time for it.
Meet Ezra
Breann goes on, “As the months went on and surgery after surgery, I started to decline; not showering, not changing my clothes. Being a hospital mom is hard. You never sleep, hardly eat, and shower when you can. It’s honestly the small things for me that help me get through every day.”
Breann and Ezra’s experience with the Child Life Specialist in their hospital goes beyond the care of just Ezra. Breann explains, “I love art, and that is what helps me best get through my tough times, the stuff they can find or get in a hospital is amazing, they helped me with my diamond art so that way I would forever stay busy every time we are admitted.”
Self-care can be difficult to implement but is crucial to your well-being and the well-being of your child with cancer. Visit our website, and download the NCCS piece Emotional Concerns With Cancer to learn tips for coping with the various emotions that come with a childhood cancer diagnosis.