While the holiday season may be filled with joyful moments, it can also bring feelings of stress and exhaustion. The hustle and bustle of busy schedules, travel, family dynamics, and extra responsibilities can leave many people feeling frazzled. For those with cancer, the holidays can feel overwhelming.
The emotional impact of a cancer diagnosis, along with holiday pressures, may increase
stress and anxiety –– making it tough to enjoy the festivities. However, there are steps that people with cancer can take to manage overwhelming feelings and support their mental health this holiday season.
Below we have provided some practical tips to help patients practice self-care during the holiday season.
Prioritize self-care
Self-care should be a top priority during this busy period. Make sure to carve out time for activities that rejuvenate you, such as reading, meditating, or painting. Exercise, like taking short walks or dancing to your favorite song, can also help lift your spirits and reduce stress. Pay attention to the little things that bring you joy and incorporate more of those moments into your daily routine.
Acknowledge your feelings
It’s normal to feel strong emotions during the holidays, especially when you’re dealing with a serious illness like cancer. It’s helpful to be aware of and acknowledge these feelings without judgement, and talk to someone you trust, like a friend, family member, spiritual advisor, or social worker. At Texas Oncology, our licensed
social workers are available to support you and your family as part of your care team.
Another way to express your thoughts is to write them down. Journaling can offer a safe, private space to capture and reminisce on any feelings you may experience throughout treatment. In fact, journaling has been proven to provide a number of health and well-being
benefits. Texas Oncology offers a bundle of
journal prompts created by our social work team to help guide personal reflections on a variety of mental health and cancer topics.
Adjust your expectations
The holidays often create unattainable expectations for celebrations. Therefore, recognizing your limits and setting realistic expectations for yourself and loved ones is key. It’s also equally as important to communicate your needs and preferences with family and friends to help those around you understand how to best support you. Lastly, give yourself permission to modify or change your holiday plans. It's perfectly acceptable to say no to participating in anything you don’t feel up to.
Mix it up
The physical and emotional effects of cancer may impact your ability to participate in some previously enjoyed holiday traditions. Instead of trying to keep up with past traditions, consider creating new ones that are more manageable for you and your family. This may mean spending time at home enjoying activities that don’t require extensive energy.
It's perfectly okay to seek out support
Sometimes you just need to talk with someone who knows first-hand what you’re going through. Cancer support groups offer opportunities to connect with others with similar experiences, which can reduce isolation and provide feelings of validation and understanding.
Many communities offer resources specifically for those dealing with cancer during the holidays, so look for local support groups or online forums where you can share and connect with others. Texas Oncology’s social work team facilitates a number of
virtual support groups year-round.
If you find that cancer is significantly impacting your mental health, it’s important to remember that there are professionals who can help at any time. Talk to your care team to discover available opportunities or receive a referral to nearby resources when appropriate. Texas Oncology’s social work team offers a wide range of
support services and specializes in providing mental health guidance and reassurance to those impacted by cancer during any season.
Finding joy amidst challenges
At any stage of cancer, it’s common to have feelings of anxiety, distress, depression, and loneliness. The following are additional resources that may help you, or a loved one, navigate cancer during the holidays while prioritizing mental health.
Whether it’s enjoying a warm beverage, watching a holiday movie, or simply spending quality time with loved ones, these small joys can uplift your spirit and create meaningful memories.