By: Atara Jaffe, ND
Feelings of anxiety and depression are common and often overlooked aspects of an individual’s experience in the cancer care process. At AIMS Institute, we provide integrative mental health care through a variety of modalities to approach body and mind.
Our oncology team members that have proficiency in mental health include: Dr. Atara Jaffe, ND, Dr. Ksenia Malarkey, ND, Dr. Raushanah Najeeullah, ND, Dr. Monet Anthony, ND, Dr. Leanna Standish, ND, PhD. Our other team members also have experience and background with mental health services including: Dr. Emily Whinkin, ND, MS, Dr. Sunil Aggarwal, MD, PhD, Dr. Duncan Lynch, ND, RH, Dr. Alison Draisin PsyD, LMHC, Brittney Deutsch, LMHCA, Dr. Alison Kerns, ND, Lisa Yeager, LICSW.
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The utterance of the word and diagnosis of “cancer” from a doctor’s mouth can be traumatic, and life-shifting. The experience of consults, seemingly endless decisions, treatments, appointments is stressful on both the body and the psyche. Feelings of overwhelm, loss of control or faith, frustration, sadness, grief and anxiety are inherently common to those experiencing this disease. Understanding and addressing both the physical and mental health as well as the connection between the two is crucial for providing comprehensive, patient-centered care.
The Psychological Impact of a Cancer Diagnosis
Patients may grapple with thoughts about mortality, changes in body image, and uncertainty regarding the future. These thoughts and emotions they evoke can change regularly as the individual progresses through their experience with cancer and processes all of that which it encompasses.
- Anxiety: The fear of the unknown—treatment outcomes, potential side effects, and the impact on daily life—can create significant anxiety. Patients may experience heightened worry about their health and future. This can present as ruminating thoughts, avoidance of information or activities, difficulty concentrating or physically as increased heart rate or blood pressure, tingling in fingers/toes and rapid breathing or shortness of breath.
- Depression: Many patients report feelings of hopelessness, helplessness, and grief over loss of health, regular routine, or impending mortality. Depression can be exacerbated by the physical toll of cancer treatments, such as fatigue and pain. This can present as difficulty being active, engaging with loved ones, or interest in previously enjoyed activities.
- Body Image Perception: Treatments like chemotherapy, radiation, and surgery can alter a person’s appearance. This change can affect self-esteem and lead to body image concerns, further impacting mental health.
Coping Strategies
Recognizing the importance of mental health in cancer care is essential. In Integrative cancer care, utilizing different strategies and modalities can be influential on a patient’s mental health and quality of life. AIMS Institute has several providers that specialize in these types of therapies.
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– Group Therapy Work: Engaging with support groups, whether in-person or online, can provide a sense of community and understanding. Sharing experiences with others facing similar challenges can be incredibly comforting. AIMS Institute offers group therapy sessions focusing on challenging illnesses that impact our mental health.
– Talk Therapy: Professional help from psychologists or counselors specializing in cancer care can equip patients with coping strategies and emotional support. AIMS Institute offers psychotherapy and integrative psychiatry services, with years of experience in working with patients with cancer. Several therapeutic approaches are particularly effective for managing anxiety in cancer patients including:
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): This evidence-based approach works to assist patients with recognizing and identifying negative thought patterns and resulting behaviors to ultimately change these to be positive. This form of therapy provides coping skills and strategies for reframing thought patterns.
- Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT): ACT encourages patients to accept their thoughts and feelings rather than fighting against them. It focuses on commitment to personal values and taking action in line with those values, which can be empowering during cancer treatment.
– Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR): MBSR is an evidence-based approach that includes mindfulness practices including meditation, yoga, breathwork or tapping to assist in staying present. This approach has been shown to improve emotional regulation and decrease stress levels and can be done at home or anytime.
– Psychedelic Assisted Psychotherapy: Psychedelic medicines can help to address distress related to mortality and improve anxiety and depression, often through profound realizations or experiences while in a mind-altered state. The use of ketamine or psilocybin in a clinical setting can provide a safe and therapeutic environment to access these medicines. Research in this field is continually growing, showing the benefits of its use for those with terminal disease. AIMS Institute offers Ketamine Assisted Psychotherapy for those undergoing life-limiting diseases and mental health conditions.
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– Somatic Therapy: Therapies such as massage, craniosacral, acupuncture therapy or somatic therapy techniques can help the body process stored emotion, and provide therapeutic touch. These therapies assist the body toward parasympathetic nervous system response, or our rest and digest state. AIMS Institute offers somatic therapy work including craniosacral therapy and somatic therapy to patients suffering with physical and emotional tension related to their diagnosis.
– Physical Activity: Exercise has been shown to improve mood and alleviate symptoms of depression. Even light activities, like walking, can be beneficial.
– Art and Music Therapy: Creative therapies provide a channel for processing difficult emotional experiences. Engaging in art or music can foster relaxation and promote emotional healing.
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The Role of Caregivers
It’s important to remember that the mental health of caregivers is equally crucial. Caregivers often experience stress, anxiety, and feelings of helplessness while supporting their loved ones. They, too, should seek support and self-care practices to maintain their mental well-being.
Conclusion
The intersection of mental health and cancer is complex and significant. Seeking care for mental health can assist patients in facing the challenges of cancer care that arise, both physical and emotional. At AIMS Institute, we strive to provide thorough and thoughtful care through a variety of modalities and strategies that can be utilized to support an individual ranging from therapeutic touch, to talk therapy, to creative processing and everything in between. It is important that these options be made available to individuals with cancer. By addressing both the physical and psychological aspects of cancer, we can improve the overall quality of life for patients and their families. Awareness, support, and open communication are key components in navigating this challenging journey.
In the face of cancer, prioritizing mental health is not just beneficial—it’s essential.
