Anxiety & Distress
What is Anxiety?
Anxiety is the mind and body's reaction to stressful, dangerous, or unfamiliar situations. Anxiety is a part of everyday life. It is very common to experience anxiety. Many of us feel it before we present in front of a big group or when we are awaiting big news. For a person who is overwhelmed with anxiety, the feeling does not go away quickly and can worsen over time.
What is Distress?
Distress refers to a state of severe anxiety or strain. Distress can be common for survivors and their family members because of the severity of a cancer diagnosis. Distress becomes more serious when someone has difficulty sleeping, eating, or concentrating. Severe distress may cause some to also have frequent thoughts of illness and death.
Excessive anxiety and distress can affect the quality of life of patients with cancer and their families.
- Anxiety is unease, fear, and dread caused by stress.
- Distress is emotional, mental, social, or spiritual suffering. Patients who are distressed may have a range of feelings, from sadness and a loss of control to depression, anxiety, panic and isolation.
There are many reasons that may cause one to be filled with anxiety and distress.
- Being screened for cancer.
- Waiting for test results.
- Hearing a cancer diagnosis.
- Being treated for cancer.
- Worrying that cancer will return.
Anxiety and distress may cause problems such as nausea and vomiting before each treatment, having more pain than usual, and sleeplessness. Patients may decide to delay cancer treatment or miss check-ups when they feel anxiety and distress.
Survivors feeling overwhelmed by anxiety and distress should communicate with their care team about possible treatment options. Many find resolve in treatments such as counseling, exercising, calming medication, support groups and more. Explore different options to see what works best for you.
Last Updated: 10/29/2020 11:57:12 AM
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