When talking about emotions, it can seem that progress is slow and uneven. One day you will feel better and the next ten times worse. Emotions can be up and down but it’s normal.
- Don’t feel that you have to be positive all of the time; few people feel on top of the world everyday – so why should you?
- It is not true that not having a positive fighting spirit increases the chance of your cancer come back. Research done at The Royal Marsden showed clearly that there is no evidence that your cancer will come back if you don’t have a fighting spirit.
- Go with your emotions; do what feels right. It is alright to have bad days.
Some people do experience more serious depression and will benefit from getting some professional help. Look out for the following symptoms and if you have three or more of these for more than two weeks talk to you doctor or a counsellor:
- Loss of interest in your usual activities and failure to enjoy the things you used to enjoy
- Feeling sad or crying most of the time
- Being unable to concentrate and take things in
- Sleep disturbance
- Not wanting to see people or socialise
- Loss of interest in food with some weight loss
- Thoughts about not carrying on with life or harming yourself
- Neglecting to do the things you normally do because you don’t see the point
Don’t be surprised at having some bad days. Do think about what you have achieved in spite of the difficulties. Keep telling yourself “Well done” not just when you have made a step forward but when you keep up the progress you have already made.
You are a cancer survivor and you did a lot to achieve it.