Samarpan

A trained counsellor explores a patient’s issues in a safe and supportive environment. Emphasis is given to help people respond to challenges and the associated emotions in healthy ways. In a warm, friendly environment, our counsellor helps sort out several issues that a patient may be dealing with when diagnosed with cancer, such as:

• coping with one’s physical reactions to cancer (side effects of treatment, fatigue, pain or sickness, changes in body image)
• relationship and family issues (change of roles, responsibilities)
• personal issues (sexuality, spirituality, activities, self-esteem)
• dealing with emotions (anger, depression, distress)
• dealing with everyday issues (financial, change in lifestyle, making decisions)

The barrage of negative emotions can be drain patients, caregivers and family members. Our counsellor understands the transient nature of emotions and is equipped to show you different ways of perceiving situations and dealing with emotions. Counselling is confidential, ensuring the utmost comfort.

Asking for trained professional help is highly encouraged; as it means taking charge of our feelings and metal well-being.

Cancer is difficult to deal with emotionally, not only for the patient, but also for their caregivers. Keeping strong and positive at such times and supporting them throughout can be difficult. To unload the burden of buried emotions, caregivers need someone to talk to. Therefore, counselling for caregivers is also strongly advised. When the entire family undergoes counselling together, the patient feels the support of her/his caregivers, and the caregivers, in turn, can keep up the hope and faith needed to keep encouraging their loved one.

Treat yourself with compassion and kindness. Be patient and allow yourself the time needed to adjust. The process of learning to accept a cancer diagnosis and undergoing treatment may change your life.

• Support group meetings which offer an opportunity to talk with people in similar situations are helpful. Social activities can also help your mind focus on something other than cancer.
• Build a network of friends and family who can support you and help you feel positive. Ask for and accept help. Delegate tasks that take up your energy and aren’t pleasing to you.
• Asking friends for help gives you the time to focus on healing.
• Keep calm and embrace humour. Laughter has many positive effects on the mind and body, and humour may help you relax during a tense or uncomfortable time.
• Keep your healthcare team informed about your worries and concerns. For instance, if you are worried about losing your hair as a result of treatment, you may consider just cutting it very short or even shaving it on your own. Taking some control over the process may help you feel less vulnerable.
• Physical activity is essential as it creates energy.
• Reach out to a professional who can help you cope with, and understand confusing feelings, and deal with physical changes in your body

A cancer diagnosis can bring a lot of emotions like anxiety, fear, feeling overwhelmed and one needs to cope with these as well as changes in daily living. Some ways one can cope better is by:

• Getting as much basic, useful information about the cancer diagnosis as needed in order to make decisions. It may help if you wrote down all your questions and concerns so they can be addressed when you meet your doctor.
• Share your feelings with family, friends, or a support group whom you feel comfortable with. One may choose to express feelings through writing, music, painting, or drawing. Expressing feelings helps free a lot of energy and gain strength.
• Take care of yourself by doing the things you love and enjoy doing. It could be cooking, watching a movie, meditating, praying, spending time with loved ones, listening to music, etc. Some mild exercise with the permission of your doctor like walking or yoga would be helpful.

Taking on all of the responsibilities of caregiving without regular breaks or any help will cause you to burnout. Some things you can do:

Ask for help from family members and friends and divide responsibilities. Someone can take over getting groceries, cooking, getting medicines, etc.

• Take some breaks by doing things you love or meeting and maintaining your own relationships.
• Take care of your mental and physical health by exercising, meditating, etc.