Anyone who has experienced a cancer diagnosis knows of the physical struggles faced by the patient, but few are aware of the psychological effects that they and their family members have to cope with.

Here are some of the emotional effects a cancer patient and/or their loved ones have to confront, as well as ways to cope.

Shock

This is usually the first reaction to a cancer diagnosis. The patient may not understand some of the things their doctor says, and might need to have information repeated over and over, which is normal.

Some people find that talking to friends and family helps them deal with the diagnosis, while others just want to be left alone. How you deal with the shock is up to you, but you do need to talk about it at some point, either with friends and family or a professional.

Stress

The weeks after a diagnosis can be extremely stressful for a patient and their loved ones. There’s going to be a lot they don’t understand and a lot to do to get ready for treatment.

Make sure your health team keeps you informed every step of the way. Friends and family can be a huge help at this time; they could, for instance, take some of the weight of financial and other responsibilities off your shoulders.

There are many stress relievers you could try as well, so look for the ones that work best for you or ask your health professional for recommendations.

Sadness and depression

Sadness, grief, and depression are all common emotions after receiving a cancer diagnosis. How you deal with those emotions is key: you don’t want to shut yourself off from your loved ones, as they can be your greatest help during this trying time.

If you feel your depression and sadness aren’t getting better or are overwhelming you, there are support groups and therapists who can and will help. Never try to battle these emotions alone.

Among others, look out for the following signs:

• finding no pleasure or having no interest in activities you usually enjoy;
• being sad and feeling hopeless the majority of the time;
• not able to experience joy at all;
• not able to concentrate on anything;
• constant thoughts of death and thoughts of suicide;
• changes in your sleeping and eating habits.

Fear

Fear is a natural emotion after a cancer diagnosis. Your future is uncertain and murky, and you’re not sure which way to turn. Fear of dying, the treatment itself, and for your friends and loved ones can be overwhelming.

While it is incredibly difficult, do try to maintain a positive outlook: it’s important not to underestimate the power of the mind when it comes to treatment and recovery.

If you feel yourself being overwhelmed by fear, don’t hesitate to ask for help from your family or the professionals in your life.

All in all, remember that all of these feelings and reactions are perfectly natural. But dealing with these is crucial if you hope to recover and survive to live a normal life.

Read more articles by Dennis Relojo-Howell here.

Dennis Relojo-Howell is the managing director of Psychreg and host of ‘The DRH Show’. Connect with him on X (Twitter) at @dennisr_howell.