Navigating the Emotional Rollercoaster: Coping with the Impacts of a Myeloma Diagnosis on Your Mental Health and Wellbeing
Receiving a myeloma diagnosis can be devastating. Coping with the emotional toll is essential. Understanding the impact on well-being and learning coping strategies are crucial. There is no right way to feel. Emotions can vary from positive to sad, all natural responses. Emotions may include shock, denial, hope, fear, sadness, anger, and more. Feeling emotions without understanding why is a perfectly normal part of being human. Don't be surprised; it happens to all of us!
Living with myeloma can impact various aspects of your life unexpectedly. Being aware of emotional changes can help navigate challenges. Those with myeloma may lose identity as the focus shifts to treatments, leading to a decline in hobbies. Loss of independence may occur with increased reliance on others for support. Financial worries may arise from reduced income and an uncertain future. Plan for loved ones' needs posthumously.
While the impact of myeloma can vary greatly, individuals can find support and guidance to navigate the challenges they may be experiencing. While some adjustments may be more difficult than others, some challenges may be temporary.
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Treatment and Monitoring
Being monitored and treated for myeloma can significantly impact your overall well-being. The following are examples of how you may be affected during each stage after diagnosis.
Diagnosis and Pre-Treatment
Receiving a myeloma diagnosis can be a daunting experience, especially if you were not familiar with the condition before. This can add to the uncertainty and fear surrounding the situation. It is important to remember that everyone responds differently to a cancer diagnosis, and it is normal to experience a range of emotions throughout the process. You may find yourself feeling a certain way at one moment, only to revisit previous emotions at a later time.
During therapy
During myeloma treatment, individuals may experience mood swings due to physical side effects and demanding schedules. Feelings of anxiety may arise before appointments and receiving test results, leading to added stress and uncertainty about the effectiveness of the treatment. Disappointment and frustration may occur if test results do not meet expectations, while positive results can bring encouragement.
During treatment, individuals may rely more on their partner, family, or friends for physical and emotional support. It is common to experience feelings of guilt due to this increased dependence on others.
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Achieving Treatment Milestones
When myeloma treatment achieves a Complete Response, it brings joy and relief. However, post-treatment, suppressed emotions may resurface, especially if diagnosis and treatment happen quickly. Concerns about myeloma returning can cause anxiety, impacting emotional well-being and support expectations after treatment.
Dealing with the long-term physical and emotional changes from myeloma treatment may go unnoticed by those around you, as they may not fully grasp the relapsing and remitting nature of the disease. Some individuals may have assumed you were cured after your initial treatment, leading to misplaced expectations and potential strain in your relationships.
Openly expressing your feelings and experiences can promote understanding and empathy from your loved ones, fostering stronger connections and support during this challenging time.
Relapse and Treatment Resistance
Discovering a relapse or unresponsiveness to treatment can be discouraging. It's normal to feel disappointment, frustration, and anger. Coping with the return of myeloma and a shorter remission brings concerns about future plans and enduring more medical procedures, tests, and side effects.
It's common to hide stress from loved ones, causing challenging emotions. Worries about family, work, finances, or vulnerability add pressure. Several myeloma treatments exist, and your doctor will help. With time, support, and care, negativity can shift to hope.
Complications and side effects from myeloma treatment affect emotional and mental well-being. They lead to tiredness, frustration, and sadness, impacting coping abilities. Common effects include pain, insomnia, drowsiness, fatigue, illness risk, bone fractures, and appearance changes. These affect relationships, mood, and daily life, leading to irritability, depression, decreased sociability, and physical limitations. Seek support to manage these challenges effectively.
Steroids in Myeloma Treatment
Steroids, such as dexamethasone and prednisolone, play a crucial role in myeloma treatment by enhancing patients' response to other therapies. However, it is essential to be aware of the potential mood changes that can occur as a side effect of steroid use. These mood disturbances, which may include mood swings, anxiety, tearfulness, agitation, and sleep disruption, can be particularly pronounced at higher doses and when transitioning between days of steroid treatment.
Living with these effects can be difficult, with some patients experiencing noticeable differences in their mood on 'Dex days.' If you notice any changes in your mood, it is essential to discuss them with your healthcare provider. They can adjust your steroid dosage if necessary and provide support. It may also be helpful to communicate with loved ones about how steroid treatment is affecting your mood.
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The Physical Effects of Emotions
The connection between your emotions and physical well-being is significant. Just as physical symptoms and side effects can impact your emotional state, your emotional well-being can also affect your physical health. Conditions like stress, depression, and anxiety can manifest as physical symptoms, including sleep disturbances, loss of appetite, fatigue, lack of interest in sex, and skin problems. Managing your emotions can help alleviate these physical symptoms. Your healthcare team is there to address your physical and emotional needs, so communicate any emotional concerns to receive the most appropriate care possible.
Recognizing Depression
Experiencing sadness and despair after a myeloma diagnosis is common. Be mindful of changes in behavior and seek help. Depression symptoms vary from mild to severe. Recognize signs and seek support for persistent sadness and emptiness, fatigue, disrupted sleep, indecisiveness, joylessness, social withdrawal, loss of interest in hobbies, and thoughts of self-harm.
Identifying signs of depression in ourselves can be challenging, and often, it is those around us who first notice these signs. Bringing up the topic of depression can be difficult for both parties involved. Maintaining open and honest communication with loved ones about your feelings is crucial. Even if you feel unheard or withdrawn, persisting and seeking the support you need is essential. If you recognize signs of depression, reach out to your healthcare team, who can provide referrals to additional services. Take proactive steps to address your depression and consider utilizing resources such as charity helplines and online forums for extra support.
Recognize and acknowledge emotions during the cancer journey, from diagnosis to remission. Emotions fluctuate based on circumstances. Consider preferred support—friends, family, or a counselor. Access available services for support. Reach out to your GP, Myeloma Infoline, or cancer support centers for assistance.
Self-care Tips for Coping with Emotions
Incorporating self-care practices is essential for effectively managing your emotions. The following strategies can assist you in dealing with your feelings. It is vital to continually engage in activities that bring joy and fulfillment to your life. Participating in hobbies, connecting with loved ones, and nurturing your spirituality can significantly impact your overall well-being. You can enhance your emotional state by prioritizing what holds significance for you and persisting in meaningful pursuits. Aim to schedule a pleasurable activity each day to support your emotional well-being.
Discussions
Conversations with friends and family members about your emotions can enhance their comprehension of your feelings and their impact on your relationships. Additionally, considering counseling as a form of communication with an unbiased party may be preferable for some individuals. Addressing issues and expressing emotions can play a significant role in enhancing relationships and fostering a positive mood.
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Healthy Lifestyle Habits
Following a nutritious diet and staying active through regular exercise can enhance your overall well-being and improve your mood. Despite the challenges of myeloma and its treatment, a balanced diet can help alleviate symptoms and improve your well-being. Engaging in gentle physical activity can also be an effective means of reducing stress and tension.
Practice mindfulness through meditation
Mindfulness and meditation involve focusing on the present moment and being conscious of one's thoughts and emotions. These practices are beneficial in promoting a sense of peace and reducing feelings of anxiety.
Releasing and Recording Emotions
It is important to release your emotions rather than suppress them, as this can positively impact your mental health. Engaging in creative activities such as painting, drawing, or playing music, or simply allowing yourself to cry or release tension by throwing a pillow, can be therapeutic. By channeling your negative emotions into something productive, you will likely experience decreased stress levels.
Additionally, keeping a journal to record your feelings can be beneficial. Writing down your emotions can help you process and make sense of them. This practice may benefit individuals who find it challenging to verbalize their emotions.
By documenting your feelings, you may identify patterns or triggers contributing to specific emotional states, such as feeling irritable when tired or anxious before appointments. Once these patterns are recognized, you can take proactive steps to address them, such as taking a brief nap when fatigued or scheduling enjoyable activities after appointments.
Finding the silver lining
Despite the challenges that come with a myeloma diagnosis, it can also lead to positive changes in your life. By being compelled to pause and address new responsibilities and concerns, you may appreciate different aspects of life and adapt your priorities. Following diagnosis, many patients experience a shift in perspective and opt to dedicate more time to loved ones, interests, and activities that bring them happiness.
Remember, you are not alone in this journey. Lean on your loved ones for support, communicate openly about your feelings, and seek professional help if you struggle to cope. By acknowledging and addressing the emotional challenges that come with a myeloma diagnosis, you can empower yourself to face the rollercoaster of emotions with resilience and strength.
In conclusion, navigating the emotional rollercoaster of a myeloma diagnosis requires self-awareness, self-care, and reaching out for support when needed. By understanding the impact on your well-being, practicing coping strategies, and prioritizing your emotional health, you can navigate this challenging journey with courage and grace.
Next week, part 3, Relationships