Tips for Caregivers during The Holidays Cancer and Mental Health: Advice for Loved Ones Talk on their terms. Be sensitive to your loved one’s feelings and encourage but do not force them to talk with you and other family members and friends about their cancer diagnosis. Listen. It is important to be there for someone who is going through cancer treatment. One of the best things to do is to listen well and fight the urge to deny or discount any negative feelings they share. Ask a health care provider. Spouses and family members who interact with their loved one’s health care team can be proactive in asking for information about cancer and mental health. If needed, they can also support their loved one by asking for a referral to support services. Join in on physical activity. Taking a walk together or engaging in other physical activities with a loved one can encourage them to keep up with exercise, benefiting their mental and physical health as they go through the cancer treatment process. Respect Boundaries. Unless they ask for input, it is often best to not push a cancer patient on medical advice or treatment options they are not interested in. Honor their autonomy and provide them with the support they ask for. Practice self care. Sometimes caretakers forget to take care of themselves. It’s important for loved ones of cancer patients to take time for themselves, stay engaged in activities, and be in tune with and honest about their emotions. Avoiding emotional burnout makes it easier to take care of the people you love.
Managing Mental Health After a Cancer Diagnosis - Nursing@Georgetown
Baptist Health Miami Cancer Institute | Private and confidential. Not for redistribution. 40
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