Written by: Lukas Harnisch-Weidauer
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A cancer diagnosis can be isolating. You may feel that no one can understand what you’re going through. Many patients also worry about being a burden to their loved ones.
This is complicated by treatments like chemotherapy or a stem cell transplant, both of which can restrict your ability to go about your daily routine.
However, there are ways to make connections even as you are navigating such a challenging time. If these feelings are seriously impacting your mental health, it’s never too late to reach out for professional help. A Dana-Farber social worker can provide a safe space, combined with oncology-related expertise, to come up with a strategy for making connections.
“We start by talking about what it would look like to feel less lonely,” says Rebecca Morse, LICSW, who works with pediatric cancer survivors that are now adults. “Then we can identify goals and talk about the why behind that isolation which can range from mental to physical reasons.”
Here are a few suggestions for getting started, whether you are a Dana-Farber patient or not:
Join a support group
Connecting with others who are going through similar experiences can provide comfort, understanding, and a sense of community. “No one’s cancer journey is the same,” Morse says. “But a support group can provide a place of shared understanding to some extent.”
Dana-Farber offers many support groups catered to your specific needs. A social worker may put you in touch with one or you may reach out yourself.
Stay connected with loved ones
Even if you are struggling with concerns about being a burden, regular communication with family and friends can help alleviate feelings of isolation.
“One challenge in reaching out to family and friends is the overwhelming medical questions that can come with it,” Morse explains. “We should be able to be ourselves and not always be seen as ‘the sick one.’” She often suggests designating a single, supportive, member of your circle to share medical information and spare having those conversations with others.
Engage in creative activities
Hobbies such as painting, writing, knitting, or playing music can be therapeutic and provide a productive outlet for your emotions. “Not only that, it’s a great way to make friends,” Morse adds. At Dana-Farber, the Leonard P. Zakim Center for Integrative Therapies and Healthy Living offers many options for staying creative.
Use online communities
There are numerous online forums and social media groups for people with cancer. Engaging in these communities can help you feel less alone and more understood. One excellent resource for the young adult patients that Morse sees is a non-profit called Stupid Cancer.
Mindfulness and meditation
Mindfulness techniques and meditation can help reduce stress, improve emotional well-being, and enhance your ability to cope with loneliness.
“A lot of patients who have been through treatment have a strong understanding of mindfulness,” Morse observes. “Many strategies are used throughout treatment.” She often recommends diaphragmatic breathing, or belly breathing, a practice that encourages deep breathing by focusing on the movement of the stomach over the chest.
There are also resources online that can help with these practices including courses offered by the Zakim Center.
Stay physically active
If your health permits, gentle exercises like walking, yoga, or stretching can boost your mood and energy levels. An added benefit, Morse points out, is that staying active encourages you to get outside.
“Sunshine will make you happy,” she says, in safe and doable limits, of course. And a simple change of scenery can be helpful in alleviating anxiety.
Of course, consult your doctor before starting any new physical activity.
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- Source: https://blog.dana-farber.org/insight/2024/06/coping-with-loneliness-and-cancer/