‘The Addams Family’ Star Anjelica Huston, 73, Is Four Years ‘In The Clear’ After Battling Cancer— Coping with a Diagnosis

Huston explained, “I managed to survive it, and I’m proud of myself. It’s not something that came lightly.

“It came as a big shock, but it made me conscious of what I shouldn’t do, of places I shouldn’t go.”

She continued, “One of those places was taking life too seriously. So now when the opportunity arises, I laugh, and I try not to make a big deal out of things.”

Although she didn’t disclose the form of cancer, the Academy Award winner shared she’s “at the four-year mark” and shared how much the milestone means to her. She praised her “wonderful” doctors and noted how “lucky” she is to be in good health.

The “Addams Family” star shared her celebration after finding out she was cancer-free, saying she “walked in my garden and smelled the roses and thought how clever I was.”

Six years after her diagnosis, she’s speaking up in hopes of helping others who face similar mental health challenges.

“Sometimes you feel like you don’t want to talk about it for the obvious reasons, but there’s a lot to be said for talking about it and getting it out there and celebrating the fact that one’s come through,” she said.

“Life is tenuous and wonderful. It also gives you the idea that the world is big, and you can somehow match up to it. That you’re ready for whatever happens.”

The Choice to Share

The choice to share or not share a cancer diagnosis is personal for people facing the disease, even if they’re not a celebrity. While some choose to share only with close friends and family, others post their entire journey on social media, create blogs and detail their treatments, side effects and doctor reports.

Dr. Renee Exelbert, a licensed psychologist and founding director of The Metamorphosis Center for Psychological and Physical Change in New York, told SurvivorNet the decision to openly disclose or not disclose one’s diagnosis may be made more complicated for someone in the public eye, as they may feel pressure to serve as a role model, or to use their notable platform for the greater good.

She says public figures and celebrities are often held to a harsher standard, frequently having their appearance and behaviors rigorously evaluated. This might make hiding a cancer diagnosis more difficult and may also make disclosing a cancer diagnosis a greater burden to bear.

Also, just because someone is a public figure or celebrity does not spare them from judgment and the insensitive comments of others, especially while they may be fighting for their life.

WATCH: Mental Health: Coping With Emotions

Dr. Exelbert says the decision to disclose or not disclose a cancer diagnosis is a very individual and personal one in any case.

“Certain Individuals may feel as though their sense of self has been deeply impacted by their diagnosis, and they want to keep it private. At their core, certain individuals may struggle with appearing weak, vulnerable or sick, and particularly do not want to withstand the opinion or commentary of others while facing a cancer diagnosis,” she explained.

Survivor Lauren Chiarello talks about staying present in the moment while battling cancer. 

Tips to Cope with an Unexpected Diagnosis

Facing a cancer diagnosis can be stressful and scary — but it’s important to remember that you are not alone and there are many directions you can turn to for support. Here’s what experts recommend:

• Let your family and close friends know and let them help. So many cancer survivors tell us they want and need support but are often too preoccupied to make specific requests. Urge those close to you to jump in with whatever practical help they can offer.
• Keep a journal. It can be highly cathartic to let those feelings loose on paper. Grab a pen and a lovely journal and chronicle your thoughts throughout the day.
• Join a cancer support group. Groups in nearly every community offer opportunities to connect with others going through a similar journey. You’ll learn constructive insight from others who can tell you what to expect and how to stay strong on tough days.
• Consider seeing a therapist. Ask your doctor to refer you to a therapist so you can discuss your fears and concerns in a safe space. Often, vocalizing your thoughts and feelings rather than internalizing them can provide relief.

A cancer diagnosis can be derailing and send you into a tailspin of emotions. An important way to cope is to feel those emotions and let them out.

Getting a handle on your mental health is important and processing your emotions is one of the first steps. Cancer survivors say that first you must let the emotions out, find your support system, and live your life.

“People that are strong cry, it’s the weak ones who try to hold it in,” says Evelyn Reyes-Beato, a colon cancer survivor.

SurvivorNet has other great mental health resources for you.

WATCH: After a Cancer Diagnosis: 10 things to keep in Mind

Managing Your Mental Health in the Face of a Health Challenge or Major Life Change

It’s only natural for health challenges to have some sort of effect on one’s mental health. It’s important to note that the diagnosis of a cancer or disease or some external stressor can offset your mental health in ways you don’t expect.

The National Institute of Mental Health advises people to seek professional help if experiencing severe or distressing symptoms that have lasted two weeks or more, such as:

• Trouble sleeping
• Changes in appetite
• Struggling to leave bed in the morning because of mood
• Trouble concentrating
• Loss of interest in things you usually enjoy
• Inability to perform normal daily functions and responsibilities

Equally as important is recognizing the value of self-care. Some basic tips to take better care of yourself and improve mental health, beyond seeking professional help when necessary, include:

• Regularly exercising
• Eating healthy, regular meals
• Staying hydrated
• Prioritizing sleep
• Exploring relaxation programs or techniques
• Setting goals/priorities
• Staying positive
• Connecting with others

Psychologist Dr. Marianna Strongin also shared some simple tips to help you maintain good mental health and reduce stress amid adversity.

When it comes to dealing with anxiety, Dr. Strongin says it’s important to have a healthy relationship with your anxiety and get to know it rather than fear it, avoid it, or push it away

Coping with Intense Feelings

Dr. Strongin explained, “By learning more about your anxious thoughts and tendencies, one can begin to answer their anxious thoughts even in moments when there aren’t any answers. For cancer patients, the worry thoughts tend to be, ‘Will I survive?’

“It’s important to let those thoughts come in and really be able to tolerate them before answering them. This is a very powerful coping skill.”

Dr. Strongin suggests medications to help with anxiety and depression if other approaches are not as effective. She also urges cancer warriors to explore telemedicine.

Contributing: SurvivorNet Staff

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