We understand that cancer symptoms can not only affect you negatively, but also emotionally. That is why we want to highlight the fundamental importance of psychological care and emotional support during cancer treatment.
In this article we will explore what psycho-oncology is, what its importance is in cancer patients, what its benefits are and how the family plays a fundamental role in this entire process.
What is psycho-oncology?
Psycho-oncology is a specialized branch of psychology that focuses on providing support and therapy to people affected by cancer, including patients, their families, and oncology professionals.
In addition to offering emotional and psychological assistance, psycho-oncology also deals with the study of the psychological determinants of cancer, its prevention, and its impact on society.
Levels of psychological support for cancer patients
During cancer treatment, psychological support plays a crucial role in your emotional well-being. According to the National Cancer Institute (NIH), there are four levels of grief that you can go through.
The first level is normal adaptation, where you manage to make the necessary adjustments to cope with the situation.
The second level involves psychological and social suffering, indicating that you are facing some problems in handling this new reality.
The third level is adjustment disorder, characterized by great difficulty in coping with the illness. At this level, you may experience emotional problems such as depression, anxiety, and stress.
The fourth level is generalized anxiety disorder, which significantly affects your ability to lead a normal life and includes symptoms such as fear, worry, and anxiety.
The role of the family of a person with cancer
The impact of this disease on your family is influenced by various factors, ranging from the type of relationship you have with them to the type of cancer, treatments, age and social support available. In addition, the personal resources your family has to cope with this situation also play an important role.
Family members, immersed in this process, may experience a range of emotions including hopelessness and sadness, uncertainty and fear, anguish and anxiety about the future.
5 Benefits of Psychological Care for Cancer Patients
Below we will see why psychological care and emotional support are not only necessary, but also indispensable in this process:
1. Stress and anxiety management
Psychological care gives you valuable tools to manage the stress and anxiety associated with cancer diagnosis and treatment. A mental health professional can help you develop strategies to cope with these challenges, providing you with a safe space to express your emotions.
2. Adaptation to life changes
A cancer diagnosis often entails significant changes in your life, from adjustments in your daily routine to adaptations in your personal relationships. Psychological care allows you to find new forms of balance and meaning in your life.
3. Strengthening resilience
Facing cancer requires great emotional strength. Psychological and emotional care will give you the necessary tools to strengthen your resilience. You will learn to face challenges more effectively, building a solid foundation to overcome obstacles and continue advancing in your treatment.
4. Improved quality of life
Emotional health and quality of life are intrinsically connected. Having control over your emotions will contribute to a healthier mental environment, which can have a positive impact on your recovery and your perception of quality of life.
5. Support in decision-making
During treatment, difficult decisions will arise related to therapeutic options, side effects, and quality of life. Psychological care offers you a space to reflect on these decisions, helping you understand your personal values and goals and make informed decisions that are aligned with your emotional and physical needs.
Conclusion
In summary, psychological care in cancer is essential to address the emotional challenges linked to the disease. We explore psycho-oncology, highlighting its importance in patients and family members. We identify levels of psychological help and examine the impact this process has on your family.
We also analyze the benefits of psychological care, from stress management to support in making your decisions. At Astorga Oncology Clinic, we understand the complexity of this situation, so we invite you to schedule an appointment with our team of expert professionals. We look forward to seeing you at our facilities to face this process together.
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