Cancer is a challenging journey that any cancer patient has to face. It affects not only the patient but also the patient’s family. For them it becomes more difficult to handle patients and to take care of themselves also especially their mental healthcare. Now cancer treatment has become advanced and their understanding. Towards the mental healthcare of the patient and their loved ones is important.
Understanding the Emotional Impact of Cancer
A cancer diagnosis can be an emotional experience for anyone facing it. Patients face different emotions when they first hear the news of diagnosis. Sometimes they face fear and anxiety, sometimes anger, sadness and helplessness. Many studies have shown that among cancer patients. One third of people diagnosed with cancer experienced different levels of depression and anxiety.
It does not only affect the mental health of patients but it also affects the mental health of the patient’s loved ones. To see a loved one go through cancer treatment can become very distress. Grief and a sense of powerlessness which affects their mental health.
The Role of Mental Healthcare in Improving Treatment Outcomes
Mental health of cancer patients is as important as their physical health. Many research suggest that if a cancer patient’s mental health is better then there are more chances to cope effectively with their treatment. Mental health care can empower patients to develop coping strategies and manage stress. Patients having bad mental health will feel depressed and will not feel motivated to attend medical appointments. Regular to treatment schedule or maintain self – care routines. attending counseling. Psychotherapy and support groups plays an important role in helping the mental health of cancer patients.
Addressing the Needs of Families
Cancer not only affects patient’s individual mental health but also affects patients’ family mental health also. Loved ones who take care of the patients are often stressed and burnt out by having responsibility to take care of the patients and handling their personal life also. Helping patients with family mental healthcare can help them in relieving some stress and burden that they face. Giving importance to patients’ family mental health will also help in improving patients mental health as they will feel more motivated and will feel an emotional support in the home.
Dr Rahul Chandhok, Head Psychiatrist and Head Consultant, Mental Health and Behavioural Science, Artemis Hospitals shared “Mental healthcare is essential for cancer patients and their families because it helps them cope with the emotional and psychological turmoil that accompanies treatment. Stress, anxiety, and depression often accompany a cancer diagnosis and therapy, which affects the general well-being and recovery of patients. Counseling, therapy, and peer groups can provide mental health support. Which helps empower patients and their loved ones to cope with emotional burdens. Improve coping strategies, and foster resilience. Addressing mental health alongside physical treatment not only improves the quality of life but also affects the outcomes and recovery at the later stage.”
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Conclusion
Mental healthcare provides the patient and the patient’s family a support to face the challenging journey of cancer with strength and motivation. Addressing the need for mental healthcare helps in treatment and gives an effective improvement in the patients health as they feel supportive from their loved ones. Cancer treatment is not only a physical challenge but it is also an emotional challenge. So it is very important for anyone dealing with cancer and their family to focus on the patient’s mental healthcare also.