Managing Stress and Cervical Cancer
To address stress and cervical cancer, you need to understand what the symptoms are and how to deal with them.
Stress, stress, and more stress are what a patient can expect after having a positive diagnosis. The good news is that stress can be controlled.
If you have been recently diagnosed with cervical cancer, you may need to ask yourself how you will cope with this new challenge and if you feel ready for it.
With cervical cancer, you need to learn more about your body and the reactions that it experiences during your illness. Once you understand these responses, you can take measures to reduce the stress in your life so you can function better.
You need to accept your diagnosis and listen to your doctor’s advice. You must accept that stress is a natural response to the change in your body. When you experience stress, your body releases hormones such as adrenaline to cope with it. This helps to increase your energy levels, but can also hasten the cancer process.
Furthermore, you need to identify the stress triggers and learn how to deal with them. If you experience high levels of stress, you can do something about it. Your doctor may prescribe medication to help you cope with the triggers of stress, if this is not contraindicated.
Separation from one’s partner or children can be very stressful for women with cervical cancer. Sometimes, you may need some space to deal with the pain you experience. Such separation can be a significant source of distress.
Separation from your family may mean going out with friends or spending some time alone. If your partner doesn’t understand why you aren’t there as much, it may be in their best interest to work with your doctor to find alternative ways of helping you cope with the stress.
Following your diagnosis of cervical cancer, your doctor may recommend a course of therapy to help you reduce the symptoms of your disease. It is best if this course is shared with your partner so that they can support you.
To address stress and cervical cancer, you may need to start a positive routine and work towards taking control of your situation. Ensure that you get enough rest and relaxation during the day and that you don’t allow yourself to get too stressed out. Such a frame of mind will reduce the discomfort you are experiencing from this condition.
Spend more time with yourself as you will be more relaxed when you have to deal with the stress of living with your life.
Engage in health promoting activities – healthy diet, exercise, yoga or meditation – as these help you fight any negative attitudes towards your condition.
