Info for Parents – Emotions

Our Beyond the Cure program prepares survivors and their families for life after cancer

Info for Parents – Emotions

Our Beyond the Cure program prepares survivors and their families for life after cancer

Dealing with Stress and Anxiety

Fear of recurrence is an understandable source of anxiety. It’s a very real and intense fear for many. Although this reaction is common, it is extremely important that you not allow anxiety or fear to get in the way of your efforts to live a happy and healthy life. You can take steps to cope with fears of recurrence:

  • Find out about your child’s actual risk of recurrence
  • Seek information about how to reduce these risks
  • Be willing to have potential problems evaluated
  • Talk about your fears with others

Additional information can be found here:

Dealing with Depression

Stress can lead to depression or other psychological problems that require professional treatment. If you have more than one of the following symptoms for two weeks or longer, consider seeking professional assistance from someone such as a hospital social worker, counselor, psychiatrist, psychologist or clergy. Depression is highly treatable with medication.

Symptoms of Depression:

  • Difficulty sleeping
  • Neglecting your own health needs
  • Depressed mood every day for most of the day
  • Difficulty concentrating
  • Persistent lack of energy
  • Constant worrying
  • Ongoing lack of interest in anything
  • Changes in appetite
  • Excessive irritability
  • Noticeable weight loss or gain
  • Continual feelings of worthlessness or guilt
  • Persistent feelings of helplessness
  • Changes in alcohol use or drug habits

If these symptoms persist, or if they affect your social relationships or your ability to work, contact a professional counselor. Counselors or social workers can be located through professional organizations, such as the National Association of Social Workers at http://www.naswdc.org or the American Counseling Association at www.counseling.org or 1-800-347-6647. If you have suicidal thoughts, contact a suicide hotline immediately. You can call 411 for a local number, call 911 for help or check the front of your phone book for suicide-prevention or hotline numbers.