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Why you should seek support during cancer treatment

Health
 Getting diagnosed with cancer can result in a host of emotions (Photo: Shutterstock)

Getting the news that you have cancer is one nerve-racking experience. It brings out a range of emotions from self-pity, to questioning your religious beliefs and why God has allowed you to go through this.

There will be feelings of shock, disbelief and anger and this will lead to the most natural response which is shutting everyone out of your life as you will feel like you need to be alone and handle this on your own.

Cancer treatment takes a lot from someone. It does not only change your life but it also changes your physical appearance and during this time you will need all the support you can get from your friends and family.

These are some of the reasons why you need support while on cancer treatment. 

1. To reduce your isolation

Cancer tends to create a wall between you and your closest friends and family because you will feel that nobody understands you and what you are going through.

Even though it may be hard for people around you to understand your pain and anger at times, you need them around to remind you that you are never alone and there are people who care and think about you and only want the best for you.

The fear and depression is hard to fight alone, which is why you need support the most especially during your treatment.

2. It helps you cope

Having help around you will help you adjust to your new way of life faster than you imagined.

You can easily adjust to taking your medication as there is someone there with you to remind you, and to drive you to your chemotherapy appointments and keep you company during the treatments.

Friends and family tend to make any burdens lighter and make life more bearable for you since they bring more joy and laughter and help you get through the hard days.

 Surround yourself with family and friends to help you better deal with the disease (Photo: Shutterstock)

3. You will have a shoulder to lean on

Whether it is your support group, family or friend, you will have someone by your side on the days you need a little extra love and assurance. There are days when you will feel overwhelmed by the treatment and feel like nothing is changing.

On these days you will need someone to assure you that things will work out eventually. Being alone can lead to having the wrong thoughts that lead to depression and in some cases, suicide.

4. Getting help improves the quality of your life

Allowing people to help you out during cancer treatment can help to improve how you live your life.

Instead of being overwhelmed and doing things on your own you will get help in communicating with your healthcare provider, communicating with your family and friends, getting to your hospital appointments and also watching your health as there will always be someone to make sure you are eating well and taking your medication.

5. It helps you with stress management

Seeking help from friends and family while getting treatment for cancer will help you deal with the high stress levels that come with being diagnosed with cancer.

Whether you need someone to talk to or someone to just be by your side all day so you do not feel alone, this goes a long way in helping your blood pressure and also helps your heart rate stay normal since being stressed can cause other health problems like heart conditions.

You can also consider joining a support group for cancer patients where you will get more motivation from other patients walking the same journey with you.

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