MANAGE SYMPTOMS
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Symptoms the Patient May Experience and How You Can Help ANXIETY Anxiety is a concern about an event, person, uncertainty, or feeling of not being able to handle things. Often the reason for the uneasiness may not be known. Anxiety is a common experience. Anxiety may include:
• Fear • Worry • Fixation on a Situation or Thing • Spiritual Questions/ Concerns
• Sleeplessness • Nightmares • Confusion • Rapid Breathing or Heart- beat
• Tension • Shaking • Sweating • Nerves • Jitters
How to help relieve anxiety: • Write down thoughts and feelings. This can be shared with someone, or can be kept private. Just writing what comes to mind often helps. • Talk with someone you trust. • Engage in relaxing activities such as deep breath - ing or yoga, or listen to soothing music. • Limit the number of visitors, or how long visitors stay, until the patient feels better and more re - laxed.
CALL YOUR CARE TEAM IF: • There are problems with relation ships with family or friends. • There are spiritual concerns. • The symptoms of anxiety are getting worse.
• Gently rub arms, back, hands or feet. Wash your hands and apply lotion between your palms be - fore gently massaging the patient. • Avoid caffeine and alcoholic beverages. • Exercise regularly. If possible, a few minutes of walking, or stretching and moving in bed or a chair can help to ease anxiety. • Use medications as prescribed. Your Care Team will give you guidance on safe use of medications. • Your Care Team will be able to offer many other suggestions, like massage, relaxation exercises, or music therapy, to help reduce anxiety.
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