One of the main things that someone who has received a diagnosis of Hodgkin Lymphoma has to be prepared for is how best to manage it mentally.
Any cancer diagnosis is a shock, but for a lot of people, the physical side of the treatment is only half of the battler- the rest is psychological. This means that in order for people who have Hodgkin Lymphoma to cope better with the inevitable stress that comes with this diagnosis, they need to practice mindfulness and other psychologically beneficial techniques.
So, what are some of the best options? Read on to find out.
Meditation
The Moffitt Cancer Center and many other centers around the world that have helped people with cancer have found via research that even meditating for 10 minutes per day can help reduce stress in those who have a cancer diagnosis.
Of course, no one is expecting you to become the next Dalai Lama, but taking some time to yourself to turn your attention inward can help you manage the negative feelings that can be caused by a Hodgkin Lymphoma diagnosis. There are even apps that are downloadable to smartphones that can help you practice daily meditations, so be sure to browse through them and practice when you can.
Accept Uncomfortable Feelings
It is an unfortunate reality of Western society that many people are taught how to manage the good emotions but not the ‘bad’ ones. There are no real ‘bad’ feelings, but there are uncomfortable ones, such as anger, sadness, fear, and frustration, all of which can accompany a diagnosis of Hodgkin Lymphoma. So, keeping a journal to write about these feelings can be helpful, and if they become overwhelming, talk to a therapist.
Talk To A Therapist
That leads nicely to this point! There are many therapists and counselors who are trained in helping those who have received a cancer diagnosis, so if you find that your feelings are overwhelming, then please talk to a therapist.
This will help you gain some clarity on the situation that you have, as well as ensure that you have someone to talk to who is not in the same situation as you, such as family and friends. Of course, you should be talking to them, too, but having a third party to discuss things with is great, too!
Practice Self Compassion
Practicing self-compassion is not something that many people are able to do without some help (hence the aforementioned therapist). However, recognizing that this diagnosis is not your fault and that you will need help and care is important and can also help to reduce stress levels. Try to learn about internal dialogues and read up on positive self-affirmations. Also, you are not well; you need love, not judgment!
Seek Out Support Groups
Support groups, whether they are online or in the community, are ideal for people who have cancer, as they ensure that you will have someone to talk to. There will often be people in these groups who have been through your journey and can offer you advice on coping with the diagnosis and about the best options to help with stress reduction. So, sign up for as many as you can.
