How Counselling Can Help You Get Through Cancer

• Written by Nidhi Goyal

  Reviewed by Akhil Pillai

• favorite1Like

  • Copy Link Copied! Share on Facebook Share on Linkedin Share on Twitter Share on WhatsApp

  Share

Counselling for cancer patients is one of the most integral parts of oncology treatment. It helps both the patient and their family, who are experiencing upheaval, feel better. Patients and their families often have many concerns. Patients and their families often have numerous concerns regarding treatment, survival, lifestyle, follow-ups, finances, and more. A counselor is always available to address their concerns, which could hinder their recovery.

Currently, oncology departments in hospitals have appointed psycho-oncologists, psychologists, and counselors to ensure the speedy recovery of patients. Cancer care becomes inevitable when you fight the disease and need someone to hear and understand you. Emotional turmoil often leads to breakdowns, and support is needed to help patients break through.

This blog will convey the importance of counselling for cancer patients.

The Process of Counselling

It is a process where the patient interacts with a therapist and expresses the concerns bothering them during their treatment journey. In this process, a secure and private atmosphere is provided for the patient to discuss tough, perplexing, or unpleasant sentiments. Focusing on unpleasant feelings or experiences in a non-judgmental setting allows the patient to see things more clearly and fosters positive changes.

When Do You Have to Seek Counselling?

It is natural to feel miserable after a diagnosis of cancer. Nevertheless, it is prudent to seek help when it becomes hard to bear the pain of the treatment. Cancer treatment may have long-lasting effects, and seeking help is also essential when the misery affects your ability to cope with issues. Nonetheless, you may find counselling helpful even if your stress level is not severe. 

Cancer and its treatment have many reactions on the patient, both emotionally, psychologically and physically. Some of them are-

• Fear or anxiety
• Hairfall, skin and nail problems 
• Stress of treatment
• Pain
• Fatigue
• Anemia
• Body image disturbance
• Loneliness
• Grief
• Anger
• Guilt
• Lack of confidence

You may be furious or struggling to cope with a sense of loss of control. You may also be concerned about treating side effects such as exhaustion, discomfort, or vomiting. 

Pillar of Strength: Role of Therapists/Counsellors

• Assisting the patient and caregiver in discovering more efficient strategies for coping with daily life.
• Providing emotional support and encouragement to reduce fear, anxiety, and depression, thereby promoting resilience. 
• Identifying practical and emotional alternatives, such as pain management techniques, that will lead to a higher quality of life.

The Outcome of Counselling for Cancer Patients

The main focus is to empower patients and their families with mindfulness and positivity to make their own choices and decisions about how to cope with this difficult phase of life. The primary result of counselling for cancer patients is that both the patient and the family learn how to view the situation from a different perspective. Accepting the disease sets the foundation for the journey ahead. Patients learn how to transform negative thoughts into neutral and positive ones, easing their lives. They also learn to manage their emotional concerns and discuss how to address and cope with any lifestyle changes that may occur due to their diagnosis.

Together, We Heal 

Cancer is one of those diseases that require immediate attention and care. One must be aware of the consequences of the disease beforehand. Care Health Insurance offers a cancer care policy with various benefits, including no claim bonus, lifelong renewability, and cashless hospitalization at over 22900+ cashless healthcare providers. In addition to the benefits of cancer insurance that we have mentioned, the cancer policy also gives you access to optional benefits and health resources, including doctor-on-call and quick recovery counselling. Furthermore, you should focus on your needs and invest prudently in a health insurance plan that will secure your finances while ensuring your well-being.

Disclaimer: The above information is for reference purposes only: Policy Assurance and Claims at the underwriter's discretion.