Coping with bowel (colorectal) cancer

After receiving a diagnosis of colorectal cancer it is normal that you feel overwhelmed and stressed. Feelings of uncertainty about your future and financial concerns can trigger a number of different reactions. You may find yourself having trouble sleeping at night, your body aches, your head hurts, and you just feel exhausted. Your loved ones may feel they are walking on eggshells around you because at any minute you may explode. If this sounds like you then you are simply stressed out. It is a normal reaction to a cancer diagnosis. But, there are things you can do to help yourself feel better.

There are many ways to cope with the stress and fear associated with cancer. With education and supportive care, you will be able to deal with the diagnosis and treatment of your cancer. But, if the following tips don't work and if you still feel you are having trouble coping after a few months following the end of treatment, talk to your doctor, you may need more extensive counselling.

How can I ease stress after my cancer diagnosis?

The most important step you can take is to seek help as soon as you feel less able to cope after your cancer diagnosis. Taking action early will enable you to understand and deal with the many effects of your illness. Learning to manage stress will help you maintain a positive physical, emotional, and spiritual outlook on life.

When you are facing cancer, stress can build up and affect how you feel about life. Prolonged stress can lead to frustration, anger, hopelessness and, at times, depression. The person with cancer is not the only one affected. Family members are also influenced by the ongoing health changes of a loved one with cancer.

Tips for reducing stress

Here are some tips for reducing stress:

• Keep a positive attitude.
• Accept that there are events you cannot control.
• Be assertive instead of aggressive. "Assert" your feelings, opinions, or beliefs instead of becoming angry, combative, or passive.
• Learn to relax.
• Exercise regularly. Your body can fight stress better when you are physically fit.
• Eat well-balanced meals.
• Rest and sleep. Your body needs time to recover from stressful events.
• Don't rely on alcohol or drugs to reduce stress.