A cancer diagnosis and the associated treatments can cause profound life changes. According to studies, up to 60% of cancer patients suffer from high psychological stress. Anxiety and anxiety disorders, adjustment disorders and depressive disorders are common consequences.

‍

anxiety disorders

The presence of anxiety is not the same as the diagnosis of the anxiety disorder. Anxiety is a natural emotional response to a threatening situation, such as a tumor diagnosis. If anxiety occurs over a period of weeks and exceeds normal levels, an anxiety disorder may be present. In these cases, it is advisable to

Fears that are frequently described by cancer patients include

• fear of dying from the disease,
• fear of being “at the mercy”,
• fear of the effects of therapy,
• fear of “abandonment” and social isolation,
• fear of pain and suffering

These fears reduce the quality of life and significantly restrict everyday life. For example, they can manifest as a panic disorder with sudden anxiety attacks lasting a few minutes or as a generalized anxiety disorder with a feeling of inner tension and anxiety about an object that is not clearly defined over a long period of time.

In addition to psychological stress, fears can also physical symptoms triggers, such as heart palpitations, sweats, shortness of breath, dizziness, stomach and intestinal problems, sleep disorders, nervousness, tremors, tension, irritability, difficulty concentrating and exhaustion.

‍

adjustment disorder

An adjustment disorder is a mental illness that occurs when a person has difficulty adapting to stressful life circumstances or dealing with certain changes. These changes can affect various areas of life, such as relationships, work, health or place of residence. Typical triggers for adjustment disorders include major life changes such as the loss of a loved one, separation, divorce, job loss, moving or a serious illness, such as cancer.
An adjustment disorder therefore results from an unfavorable or lack of processing of a drastic, emotionally stressful event.

The symptoms of adjustment disorder can be varied and include emotional responses such as

• sadness,
• anxiety,
• irritability,

but also

• sleep disorders,
• concentration problems and
• social withdrawal tendencies or isolation.

In contrast to an anxiety disorder or depression, this condition often starts up to one month after the triggering event and lasts for a maximum of six months. So adjustment disorders are usually temporary. Symptoms usually improve over time as patients learn to deal with the situation or when it changes.
Depending on the severity and severity of the anxiety disorder, professional help through therapy or counseling may be required to strengthen coping skills and alleviate symptoms. This should first be discussed with the treating doctors.

‍

depressions

Depression is a mental illness characterized by persistent and deep feelings of sadness, hopelessness, worthlessness, and loss of interest. Depressivity is described as a low mood. It does not describe a brief emotional movement, but a persistent state that covers all areas of daily life.

The symptoms of depression can be physical, emotional, and cognitive. These include

• Persistent sadness or a feeling of emptiness
• Reduced interest in and enjoyment of previously enjoyed activities
• lack of energy and excessive tiredness

In addition, the following symptoms may occur:

• sleep disorders
• Decreased concentration and attention
• Feelings of worthlessness or excessive guilt
• Thoughts of death or suicide

The risk associated with a Cancer a depression to develop is increased by 4 times. Factors that promote the onset of mental illnesses include pain, physical complaints, fatigue and a history of mental illness. Some of these points occur significantly more frequently in tumour patients.

Find yourself here, discuss your thoughts and feelings with your treatment provider or try to make an appointment with a therapist directly.

‍

‍