How to deal with the stress of a cancer diagnosis
A cancer diagnosis can be one of the most stressful experiences we can have in life. While you try to digest the gravity of the information from the oncologist, there can be so many questions going through your head. When does my treatment start? What help can my family get? How do I tell my children?
It can be hard to navigate a clear path to answering these questions, which is why we’ve come up with five points to help you below.
You are not alone
The first thing to remember is that you’re not alone. A cancer diagnosis can leave you and your loved ones feeling perhaps the loneliest and lowest in your life, but CLAN, your friends and extended family are here to support you. Reaching out to these people and local organisations for support can help alleviate the stress of managing your cancer diagnosis.
Telephone Support
CLAN has a dedicated telephone support service, which is managed and delivered by our team of professional cancer support practitioners. They are based throughout Aberdeen, Aberdeenshire, Moray, Orkney and Shetland, so they are well placed to know the local support available to you and any local pressures associated with cancer treatment. You can find full information on our telephone service here: Telephone Support
Counselling
CLAN offers a professional counselling service for those who feel they would benefit from more in-depth support. Sometimes when we are going through distressing life events, we can experience many different thoughts and feelings which can be challenging to manage. At these times, it can be helpful to look at these at a deeper level in a safe environment, with someone who is outside our circle of family and friends. This is where counselling can be of value. Counselling provides opportunities for those seeking help to work through issues which are troubling them.
Group Support
Group support can be a great way to meet others who have been affected by cancer and allow you to form a peer support network with people who understand what you are going through. Our groups provide friendship, peer group support and relaxation in a welcoming and supportive environment. CLAN offers a range of different support groups, and while the current climate does not allow for this, we are working on adding a variety of these services online.
Online Cancer Support
It’s useful to schedule time to look after your wellbeing, but often due to other commitments, it can be hard to get time to speak to one of our support professionals. That is why we have created a wealth of online videos, content and exercises to look after the wellbeing of not only yourself but all the family. You can access these at any time by visiting our online cancer support centre. Online Cancer Support
That wraps up our five points to help you deal with the stress of a cancer diagnosis. If you, or a loved one, needs our support, please get in touch with us by calling 01224 647000 or email enquiries@clanhouse.org
