Mental Health Support
Psychological, Counseling Support for Patients
The impact of a cancer diagnosis on a patient’s mental well-being can be as profound as the physical toll it takes on the body. Through heightened awareness and dedicated advocacy efforts, we’ve made significant strides in preventing, detecting early, and advancing treatments for this disease. These ongoing efforts remain vital in not only addressing the medical aspects but also in supporting patients emotionally and mentally throughout their cancer journey.
Psychological Impact of a Cancer Diagnosis
What seems to be missing from the conversation, however, is the psychological impact of a cancer diagnosis and its implications in care and prognosis. This is clearly evidenced not only in the hollow literature on the subject, but also by the sparsity of resources available. Most baffling is the lack of attention paid by the medical specialists whose very job it is to help.
According to The National Cancer Institute, a significant portion of cancer survivors, up to 25%, grapple with symptoms of depression, while as many as 45% contend with anxiety. Additionally, a considerable number experience symptoms meeting the criteria for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Alarmingly, survivors face a twofold higher risk of suicide compared to the general population.
For many cancer patients, negative psychological effects may not surface until after treatment concludes. This critical juncture often marks the onset of distress, highlighting the crucial need to prioritize the patient’s emotional well-being. While support during treatment is paramount, sustaining a reliable support system throughout recovery proves even more vital. Conversely, some patients confront psychological challenges immediately upon diagnosis.
“Cancer survivors who are depressed are twice as likely to die prematurely as those who are not depressed” -Journal of Cancer Survivorship
Whatever the illness or diagnosis may be for a patient, being affected by a mental health condition can sometimes make patients feel isolated and overwhelmed. Since dealing with the news the patient may have received, can already be tough, it’s important to find a support system that patient can rely on. Being able to talk to a trusted friend, family member, support group or mental health professional an provide relief and assistance in times of need.
Mental Support for Caretakers, Family, & the Healthy
We refer to the mental support for The Healthy, becoming mindful – the practice of mindfulness.
Mindfulness simply means “self- awareness.” It is the process of focusing the mind, body and soul on what is being sensed in the moment, and it provides the client with the insight to observe and understand positive, negative and in-between feelings from a distance.
Mindfulness practices can help relieve stress, improve sleep, and reduce chronic pain, blood pressure and symptoms of heart disease. It also has the power to change the way your brain functions. Studies have found that activities such as meditation and yoga increase the number of signaling connections in the brain and provide better control over processing pain and emotions.
Mental health is part of overall health. Just like we can’t be well without good mental health, we can’t be healthy if we neglect the rest of our body. When dealing with a mental health condition it can be easy to fall into a rut, relying solely on medication or therapy to be your cure and forgetting to take good care of your body. However, paying attention to lifestyle choices is important for recovery as well, thus we have an array of providers offering preventive and well-being services from comprehensive physicals to yoga to cryotherapy, massage, facials, etc…
What to Expect from Our Emotional Supportive Services
We have hand-picked our Medical and Supportive Providers for this service. Consultations and sessions are conducted conveniently via the telephone, Skype and/or FaceTime. Please note, if a patient prefers to have an in-person session or a special request, we will be happy to accommodate this preference.
Clients pay for actual service needed directly to the Providers.
Next Steps
Please follow these steps to proceed: Mental Health Support Services:
Summarize in your own words your need(s) for service(s) with proposed dates of travel and your ideal date/time for appointments. Specify service you need with ideal date(s) for counseling service and specify whether you prefer FaceTime, Skype or regular phone call or in person session(s). For example, I need a counseling session with for ______________________.. I need a virtual (or in-person) consultation with (specialist). Summarize your diagnosis (if any) in your own words with dates, treatment/counseling received so far and recommendations you have received. For example, I was diagnosed with _____________________________ on _____________________________ (date) and my counselor recommends ____________________________.
Download the Consent Form and please fill out and sign. If you do not send this, we cannot act on your behalf. Attach medical records, if applicable.
Your Contact Info to include:
Full Name:
Date of Birth:
Home Country Address:
Best Telephone Number (ideally mobile/cell ph #):
