One of the workshops at Survivor Conference 2014: Ignite was on identifying and coping with anxiety when you’re dealing with cancer. Karine, our program director, worked on a great presentation about the differences between anxiety and depression and ways to stay healthy, but here are some ways that might help you cope:
- Find friends that are fun and supportive, or seek out other social support;
- Take risks that could lead to intimacy and romance;
- Find important things to invest your time in;
- Spend time enjoying work, school, relationship, children;
- Develop interests, such as politics, crafts, helping others, fundraising;
- Consider reflecting on your cancer experience;
- Take stock of the challenges, the opportunities, and the strengths;
- Mourn the losses you may have;
- Don’t overdo it; make time for new experiences. Cancer affected your life but should not become your whole life;
- Try journaling or a support group. YACC events or a therapist can help with this; and,
- Spirituality