How can I cope with stress during cancer?
Emotional and social support is among the most helpful ways to cope with stress during cancer. This kind of support can lower levels of depression and anxiety. It can also ease symptoms from the disease and its treatment. There is also some evidence that managing stress well through social support is linked to better outcomes for people with breast cancer.
Being physically active is another good approach. Moderate-intensity physical activity during and after cancer treatment can reduce anxiety and depressive symptoms in survivors. Ask your doctor what level of activity is right for you.
It also helps to ask for practical help. Your hospital social worker or nurse can point you to resources. Your care team can help with insurance or money worries.
If your stress feels heavy, ask your doctor for a referral to a mental health professional. Treatment might be talk therapy, medicine, or both. You and your provider choose together. And if you are ever in immediate distress, call or text the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline.
Want the full picture? Read our complete explanation: Managing Stress During Cancer
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