| It's OK To Be Scared!
What do you do when you get down? Scared? Afraid? Cancer plays us like a puppet. Emotionally, we're up and down like a yo-yo. We frequently get conflicting information from our physicians, as well as differing levels of caring and hope. It is out of the ordinary when a physician will ask how you are doing and really wants to hang around to find out the truth! Usually, all they want to know about is the physical side of you. Where do you go for emotional help? How do you find the strength to carry on? How do you stay up when you feel you have no control over your future, your health, you life? A cancer diagnosis frequently encourages people to return to or renew their spiritual connections. Many find peace through prayer and meditation. Some people choose to live each day as fully and joyfully as they can. Many volunteer their services and time to help others in the community. Others choose to search for alternative healing methods such as acupuncture, herbs, dietary changes, exercise regimens, imagery, yoga, etc... I am frequently asked about my coping methods for when I get down. I do many things. First of all I make sure I am eating nutritiously. I increase my physical exercise activities. I reach out to several special friends who I know will be of support and encouragement. I avoid television shows that are sad, violent, or boring. I usually rent a funny video. I pray a lot. I meditate and use imagery to encourage health and wellness daily. I like to sing, so when things get real crazy, I break out the old favorites and sing my heart out! If it looks like I'm in for a long down spell, I'll try to get more sleep. I'll bribe friends to take me out for ride or to lunch. I'll continue to connect with those people in my life who will infuse me with encouragement, love and caring. It's not easy to reach out to others when you feel so crummy, but that's when you need to do it. It’s okay to be scared, afraid, and sad. It's okay to lie in bed and stay under the covers for a day. It's okay to say no to others and spend your time as you want to. It's okay to cry. It's okay to be down. It's normal to have highs and lows in your healing journey. Sometimes it's too hard to do it alone. Reach out. There are support groups, counselors, and agencies that can help you. Some are listed on our Related Resources page of this site. Others can be contacted through your hospital's psychology department, your clergyman, social worker, etc... Part of getting well and staying well is giving yourself permission to be angry, sad, scared, and afraid. We have to balance in our lives, highs and lows, good times and bad times. Cancer is rough. No one said it would be easy. BUT, you can affect the path you choose to take. You can do it, GO FOR IT! ~Marianne Bryant Potter |
