A cancer diagnosis is life-altering. When someone has cancer, the life they envisioned for themselves, their body, their loved ones, and their mental health are affected. In this article, we want to give tips for navigating mental health while caring for cancer.

It’s ok to not always feel positive

When a person’s life is turned upside down after an unexpected cancer diagnosis, as they are going through a challenging round of chemotherapy, they might feel pressured to stay positive in the face of these obstacles. However,  according to the American Cancer Society, there is no proof that maintaining a positive attitude leads to a better prognosis. Cancer is one of the most difficult challenges a person can face. That is why it is essential for people affected by it to give themselves the space to feel sad, angry, or anxious.

It helps to have a support group or therapist

While maintaining a positive attitude may not always help in the battle against cancer, it can still be beneficial to speak with other people fighting cancer or a therapist who can help in processing all the difficult questions and challenges.

Lean on the Lord

Romans 15:13 (NIV) says, “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” While cancer may have someone feel like David in Psalms 22:1 (NIV) asking why God has forsaken them, the Lord is a God of hope. Even amid fighting cancer, God is always there, in the corner cheering on. It is an opportunity to spend time in prayer and rest easy in the Lord’s hope.

If you’d like to hear more about balancing cancer with mental health, listen to our latest episode of Wellspring on the Air to hear more about how Rebecca and Patricia have coped through their journeys with cancer.