Tips to Help You Cope
- Eat a well-balanced diet with plenty of fruits, vegetables, and healthy protein (fish, chicken, beans).
- Get at least 7 to 9 hours of sleep each night.
- When you feel anxious, talk to someone you're close with, such as a family member, romantic partner, or friend.
- To calm your mind, go for walks or practice deep breathing exercises.
"It’s not unusual for me to have patients tell me that they are having extreme anxiety, sadness, changes in their mood, in coping with the disease diagnosis and getting through treatment," Dr. Jayanthi Lea, gynecologic oncologist at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center in Dallas, Texas, tells SurvivorNet.
Read MoreIf you feel overwhelmed by emotions right now, talk to a psychologist, psychiatrist, or other mental health professional. Also lean on the doctor who treats your cancer. "Patients should not forget that oncologists are very much a part of their team. We are on your side. So when you have spoken to your family members or your spouse and you still feel that you are having challenges in trying to just cope from day to day, come and talk with us," Dr. Lea says.
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