Tips for the emotional wellbeing of cancer patients during COVID-19
The 9th of April 2020 marked 100 days since the first cases of “pneumonia with unknown cause” in Wuhan, China which would later be known as COVID-19. These were the unprecedented hundred days for anyone, anywhere in the world, and even more so for the ones who were in the middle of fighting a difficult battle already.
Being a cancer patient during this unforeseen crisis is easily a double whammy. But it need not be really a gloom and doom scenario if you are well informed. It is important for you to put the focus back on the treatment with a little modification to the routine as the situation demands that from us.
It can be overwhelming to anyone with such an overdose of media these days. Naturally, most people would rather take extreme steps to avoid even a remote possibility of a cancer patient’s encounter with COVID-19 like situations. Caregivers and patients are hyper-vigilant about their health, creating general anxiety, the feeling of helplessness, troubles in sleeping, etc.
Being in the company of loved ones, or even just holding hands and getting a hug would have been such a great source of joy for many cancer patients during their treatment. But, social distancing is certainly the need of the hour and rightly so even if you aren’t a cancer patient; it means it is a call for extra care in the case of cancer patients no matter where you are in the world.
Unknowingly, it is adding a lot of emotional turmoil in the patient that may cause other problems by the time we pass through these hard times. Hence, it is now, that we should be mindful of what is happening at the moment and start taking the right remedies.
Here are a few tips that can make cancer patients’ quality of life a lot better during such a time.
● First and foremost, keep your treating team updated especially if you develop any symptoms like fever, cough, shortness of breath.
● Cross-check your scheduled appointments before visiting the hospital to avoid any unnecessary travel.
● Limit watching all the news related to COVID19, to reduce unnecessary stress. Focus on what you can do rather than what you can’t control.
● It is good to stay informed but follow the right sources for the right information.
● Build a new routine to avoid boredom, add activities based on likings.
● Make use of video calling facilities for remembering the good old times with your dear and near ones. It is, in fact, a good time to catch up with those who were otherwise busy with their lives. This could really be a blessing in disguise.
● Practice a mindset of gratitude. Count all the blessings and start journaling about what you are doing, your feelings and emotions, etc. It can help you to deconstruct all that bothers you and understand the pattern of your anxiety, core beliefs, and your feelings.
● Bring deep breathing exercise and meditation if you aren’t already doing them- It need not be anything complicated but simply close your eyes and inhale for a count of five and exhale for a count of five. Continue this pattern at least for a few minutes and you will feel the difference.
● With low interaction with others or boredom, people tend to eat more than required. Practice mindful eating. Start with a small portion and bring all your senses to the meal. Take small bites and chew thoroughly. Eat slowly and try to sense all the essence of the food.
● Take enough rest, eat healthily, keep a good track of your medication, sleep well and do exercise if possible.
● Finally, seek help if need be- if you see a change in their sleeping pattern, difficulty in concentrating, constant worry or increased use of alcohol or tobacco during the crisis time. It is only wise to seek general advice from mental health professionals as they can bring a lot of difference during these times. And if you were already been consulting, make sure that you don’t break the flow just because you can’t meet them in person. Do telephonic or live video chats till the world come back to its normalcy.
The time such, it demands an extra bit of care, and all you need to be informed well and not panic. Even small things like these can make a lot of difference. Take one day at a time!
I’d love to hear your feedback on this post, as well as your experience and other inspiring stories while dealing with cancer care. (If you are a cancer care professional and looking for a chance to connect, share and discuss your passion with other like-minded people, come join us on Psycho-oncology Professional Network)
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