Ways of coping with your feelings after cancer treatment

Macmillan Cancer Support Medical Reference

If you are finding it hard to cope with some of your feelings after cancer treatment, there are a number of things you can do that may help, including talking, physical activity, relaxation and using internet support groups.

Talking

The first step towards coping with your emotions might be just telling someone how you really feel. This isn’t always easy but can often help you feel better. You could perhaps talk to your partner, or a close friend or relative. Some people find it easier to talk to someone they aren’t close too.

Exercise

Although it’s important not to push yourself too hard, too soon, gradually introducing regular exercise into your life can help you feel better. You could go for a walk each day, or if you’re able to, try cycling or swimming. Exercise produces mood-improving chemicals in your body and regular exercise will keep your body topped up with these chemicals. Even doing simple stretches may help you feel better.

New evidence suggests that keeping active may lower your risk of getting other health problems and help reduce the risk of certain cancers coming back.  

Diet

Along with keeping physically active, it’s important to maintain a healthy, balanced diet after treatment. Doing this will not only benefit your overall health but may also help you feel better emotionally.

Relaxation

Relaxation exercises can help you cope with your emotions. There are books, CDs, tapes, DVDs and classes that can show you how to relax. You may also want to take up yoga or progressive muscle relaxation, which involves getting to know groups of muscles around your body and learning to tense and relax them.

Internet support

The internet has become a common way of socialising. There are a number of social networking sites which many people use to keep in touch with each other. There are also some specific community sites for people with cancer.

Macmillan’s online community is a social networking site where you can chat to people in our chat rooms, blog your experiences, make friendships and join support groups.

For more information about ways of coping with your feelings, including complementary therapies and self help groups, visit Macmillan Cancer Support’s website.