BEYOND THE DIAGNOSIS: PRIORITISING MENTAL WELLNESS IN CANCER CARE

Introduction

Cancer is a life-altering diagnosis, and the word itself has a stigma attached to it. It has intense effects on an individual’s physical, mental, and emotional well-being. Although medicine provides essential treatment for the disease, it becomes imperative to address the mental and emotional stress associated with cancer and its repercussions, such as anxiety, depression, and feelings of uncertainty and helplessness, as they have a detrimental effect on the recovery, quality of life, and overall well-being of the individual. Ayurveda asserts 3 pillars indispensable for existence: Satva, Atma, and Sharira. The healthy state is an integration of mental, spiritual, and physical well-being. A disruption in the above leads to diseases, and cancer is one of them. This article delves into the psychological challenges faced by the cancer patients and puts forward the strategies for coping up with stress during treatment and beyond.

The Psychological Impact of Cancer

The diagnosis itself leads to overwhelming emotional distress, anxiety, fear, sadness, and confusion, often rooted in the unpredictability of the disease, leaving the individual vulnerable. It is again exacerbated by the physical effects of treatment (fatigue, pain, changes in body image) and fear of the future. Factors such as seclusion, withdrawal from society, emotional disturbances, and financial burdens disrupt the harmony between the body and mind. Furthermore, caregivers, who are an indispensable part of care, provide physical and emotional support to the patient and share their burden, also experience intense feelings of vulnerability and burnout, making mental wellness a prime focus for both patients and caregivers.

The psychological impact of cancer is expressed by individuals in various ways, some of which are delineated as follows:

1. The scepticism towards the disease, its treatment, and potential for recurrence leads to unpredictability in the behavior, persistent worry, and fear of death that, in turn, manifests as insomnia, restlessness, and anxiety.
2. Feelings of hopelessness, sadness, and loss of interest in daily activities due to the physical toll of cancer treatments, and fear of death, lead to anger, frustration, and perceived loss of control over one’s life.
3. Symptoms like nightmares, panic attacks, and hyperarousal due to the traumatic experience of a cancer diagnosis.
4. Cognitive impairment caused by chemotherapy leads to disturbances in memory, concentration, and overall mental clarity, as well as heightened feelings of frustration, making it hard for patients to manage their daily lives.
5. Emotional stress can manifest as physical symptoms leading to intense aches & pains, fatigue, and weakness in motor movements.

Strategies for Psychosocial Support and Stress Management:

Coping with the diagnosis and stress of cancer care is a multifaceted approach. Ayurvedic philosophy strongly emphasizes the importance of good food for both the Sharira (physical aspect) and the mind (mental aspect), which in turn nourishes the Atma (spiritual aspect). Hence, the strategies to cope with the diagnosis cover all the aspects as follows:

1. Ahara (Proper Nutrition): A nourishing diet that is balanced with warm foods and easy to digest, like warm soups, stew, whole grains, vegetables, and fruits, is ideal for supporting emotional stability and restoring energy levels. Herbal teas such as Ashwagandha, Brahmi, Tulsi, Ginger, and Elaichi can help reduce anxiety, support mental clarity, and potentiate the immune system.
2. Nidra (Proper Sleep): Sleep is the time when the body rejuvenates itself and prepares for a new day. Hence, optimum sleep is essential.
3. Satvavajaya Chikitsa (Techniques to promote satva): It includes techniques such as counselling, psychotherapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, etc. They help by reducing anxiety, depression, and emotional distress. Satvavajaya Chikitsa strengthens the satva to persevere and provides the strength to bounce back from difficult times.
4. Pranayama & Meditation: They help to improve focus, reduce stress, and provide mental clarity. They also promotes a deep connection to the self, which provides emotional strength.
5. Practice of Yoga: Gentle yoga after gaining physical strength is beneficial for reducing anxiety and promoting inner peace. It helps to improve circulation, reduce fatigue, support the immune system, and promote overall well-being.
6. Prarthana (Prayer): Spirituality plays a crucial role in Ayurvedic care. Daivavyapashraya Chikitsa, through chanting mantras, reciting prayers, performing puja, and connecting with one’s spiritual beliefs, provides solace and strength during emotional turmoil and nourishes the soul.
7. Vihara (Physical Activity): Regular physical exercise within the individual’s capability elevates the mood and enhances well-being. Light stretching, yoga, and walking provide an outlet for mild physical activity.
8. Raga Chikitsa: Music, art, and writing can express emotions that cannot be explained verbally. Creative expression offers a way to process emotions and provides a distraction from the stress related to treatment.
9. Caregiver Sustenance: Providing adequate support to caregivers through counselling, respite care, and emotional validation promotes their ability to care for both themselves and their loved ones.

Conclusion:

Cancer is a disease that disrupts the harmony of the 3 pillars of existence. The overwhelming initial diagnosis, coupled with uncertainty about the future and treatment outcomes, fuels mental stress. Additionally, the physical effects of cancer treatments (intense fatigue, pain, changes in body image) strain the individual emotionally. Coping with the stress of cancer care is a critical component of the overall treatment plan, as it directly influences an individual’s quality of life and emotional recovery. Hence, a multifaceted approach is warranted in cancer care in order to improve patient outcomes. Incorporating the principles of proper ahara, vihara, nidra, yoga, pranayama, dhyana, etc., and improving individuals living with cancer can help them better manage the stress of their journey, ultimately promoting mental wellness and enhancing the healing process. The principle of satva—mental clarity, calmness, and contentment—can guide cancer patients toward a state of emotional well-being and inner peace, even in the face of adversity. Cancer care is about more than just fighting the disease—it is about nurturing the person as a whole, ensuring that their mental and emotional well-being is prioritized alongside their physical health.