Fans Thank Bell for Mental Health Discussion
- Last week, actress Kristen Bell got candid on Instagram saying she was “struggling” with mental health; it led to an outpouring of support and gratitude from fans.
- Taking care of your mental health during the COVID-19 pandemic, which has heightened stress and isolation, is very important.
- For those battling cancer during the pandemic, take extra precautions to protect your physical health, and also be in tune with your mental health by maintaining activities that bring you joy.
View this post on Instagram
Her words touched fans, who voiced gratitude to Bell being so honest and vulnerable on social media. Here are a few that resonated with us:
@momcatchingon: It's been a struggle. Thank you for sharing and it's okay not to always feel okay.
@wholeplayer: “Just do the next right thing" has been my mantra since March. Thank you for that.”
@kellyannee.r: “i haven't been doing great and this is just so inspiring. thank you for always being so open about your struggle with mental health. ur amazing. love u always.”
@nikki_lubert: you've always been the biggest light to me on those kinds of days (or weeks.. or months), sending u that same energy right back. next right thing, always! proud of you & i love you… from your east coast adopted daughter
Mental Health & COVID-19
Bell is one of many who is suffering the effects that the COVID-19 pandemic has had on our mental health. This is a tough time marked by isolation, job loss, and the constant threat of a deadly virus. As the COVID-19 vaccine continues to be distributed, we hope that the world will look a little better and a little brighter later this year, but until then, it’s important to take the necessary steps needed for maintaining good mental health whatever that looks like for you.
For people who are also fighting cancer amid the pandemic, this is a particularly challenging time. And it’s made more so by the fact that some cancer treatments, such as chemotherapy, may lead to an immunocompromised state, meaning a person is more susceptible to the coronavirus. If you’re being treated for cancer, or are a cancer survivor, it’s important to take all the necessary precautions to protect your physical health as well as your mental health.
A Major Step in the Cancer Journey: Learning to Deal With Vulnerability
Caring For Mental Health During Cancer Battle
A cancer diagnosis may lead to grief, depression, and anxiety. A small percentage of people diagnosed with cancer (around 15%) experience clinical depression. Taking steps to feel better may include speaking with a therapist, or taking anti-depressant medications.
While battling cancer, it’s important to try to focus on the good, stay positive, and do things that bring you joy, to the degree you’re able to do so. Dr. Dana Chase, a Gynecologic Oncologist at Arizona Oncology, said in an earlier interview, “We know, actually from good studies, that emotional health, quality of life is associated with survival, meaning better quality of life is associated with better survival, better outcomes,” she said.
Dr. Chase recommended incorporating activities that bring you joy into your day-to-day life. “So definitely, working on your emotional health, your physical well-being, your social environment, your emotional well-being, definitely working on those things and making them better are important and can impact your survival. If that’s related to what activities you do that bring you joy, then you should try to do more of those activities.”
What Still Brings You Joy? Your Emotional Health is So Important to Living with Cancer
Learn more about SurvivorNet's rigorous medical review process.
