Importance Of Behavioral Health Counselling Services
In North Houston Cancer Clinics, we consider the cancer journey a dynamic process that has implications for both mental and physical well-being. We blend behavioral health support into our treatment plans to offer holistic and diverse care that addresses patients' needs.
Understanding Behavioral Health during Cancer
- Emotional resilience: Emotions such as fear, dread, and sadness always overwhelm patients when they get diagnosed with cancer. These are circumstances through which our behaviorists help people get over and be emotionally intense throughout.
- Stress management: Chronic stress affects mental well-being and can also influence physical health and treatment outcomes. Trained techniques, such as relaxation techniques, mindfulness practices, biofeedback, or other forms of progressive muscle relaxation and imagery therapy, empower patients to handle stress efficiently.
- Communication and support:Communication and support:
- Coping skills:Enabling patients with practical coping skills equips them to face the uncertainties and challenges of cancer treatment with greater confidence and resilience.
Cancer Fought by Behavioural Health
Behavioral health, therefore, plays a vital role in fighting against cancer by addressing both psychological & physiological aspects of this disease. Research has shown that psychological factors like stress, depression, or social isolation may affect the progressiveness of cancer as well as its response toward treatment.
Types and Methods of Behavioral Health Support
- Psychotherapy: Psychotherapy involving cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and supportive therapy provides a secure environment where patients can explore their emotions, fears, and concerns about having cancer.
- Mindfulness and Meditation: Meditation and yoga promote relaxation, reduce stress levels, and improve emotional well-being. Through these practices, patients learn to be present in the moment by developing a sense of acceptance and compassion for themselves amidst cancer treatment turmoil.
- Support Groups:Joining support groups enables patients to meet others who are going through similar problems, thus creating a sense of support, validation, and camaraderie. Peer support enhances social ties within communities by reducing feelings of isolation and encouraging open communication.
- Stress Reduction Techniques:These include deep breathing exercises, progressive muscle relaxation, and guided imagery, among other stress management techniques that help relieve physical tension and induce relaxation in patients.
Common Behavioral Changes During Cancer
Behavioral health, therefore, plays a vital role in fighting against cancer by addressing both psychological & physiological aspects of this disease. Research has shown that psychological factors like stress, depression, or social isolation may affect the progressiveness of cancer as well as its response toward treatment.
- Emotional Trauma: These emotional reactions may be heightened by uncertainty about the future and fears about treatment outcomes and possible lifestyle changes. Increased mood swings, extreme emotional sensitivity, or difficulty in handling their overwhelming diagnosis are among these challenges that patients have to endure.
- Cognitive Impairment: Cognition may be affected by cancer and its treatments, leading to memory problems, concentration problems, and cognitive dysfunction. It is known as the chemo brain, which manifests as forgetfulness, mental confusion, and lack of clarity.
- Behavioral Changes: The stress and emotional toll of cancer itself often leads to several behavioral changes. Sometimes, patients present with irritability, restlessness, or mood swings along with withdrawal from formerly pleasurable social interactions.
Importance of Taking Care of Behavioral Health During Cancer Treatment
- Enhancing Quality of Life: Cancer patients' quality of life can be improved through addressing issues related to behavioral health, like emotional distress management, mitigating stressors, and building coping mechanisms to get relief amidst all the challenges facing them.
- Improving Treatment Adherence: Addressing barriers such as anxiety disorders, depression syndromes, or isolation through behavioral health support increases adherence to treatment regimens.
- Promoting Positive Coping Strategies: The ordeals of cancer treatment may be distressful both physically and emotionally, leading to a sense of helplessness and despair.
- Less Mental Health Disorders: The emotional pressure associated with cancer treatment can become an added burden that will lead to the development of mental illnesses like anxiety and depression.
Impact of Behavioral Health on Cancer Treatment
The influence of behavioral health on cancer therapy goes beyond emotions to directly affect prognosis, including treatment outcomes.
- Enhanced Immune Function: Psychological factors such as stress and anxiety can suppress immune function, potentially impacting your body's ability to fight off cancer cells.
- Improved Treatment Tolerance: Reducing stress and anxiety levels enhances tolerance to treatments, thus reducing their side effects.
- Faster Recovery:Positive mental health reduces recovery time from cancer treatment by improving rehabilitation results.
Frequently Asked Question
Behavioral health generally connects mental, emotional, and behavioral well-being.
Behavioral health generally connects mental, emotional, and behavioral well-being.
Behavioral health support can improve cancer treatment recovery by providing emotional support, helping you handle stress and anxiety, increasing your treatment adherence, and promoting wellness in general.
Will I be able to access behavioral health support throughout my cancer journey?
Will I be able to access behavioral health support throughout my cancer journey?
