My Chemotherapy Experience - Chapter Two: Managing Emotions

                                                 MANAGING EMOTIONS

 Having cancer might be depressing to us, especially when you're young just like me😔.

Watching your friends having fun, seeing all their posts on Instagram, Facebook is frustrating and heartbreaking. It is unfair because you just stay at home staring at walls. At some point I started to think, "why me?"

Here are some steps I have taken to get rid of my depression and stress:

• Acceptance

The first step is accepting the truth. There is no point denying your current status. Once you have accepted it, you will feel calmer, more positive, and happier. Then, you can proceed with your treatment. Being sad is absurd, bad hormones will be released and you will become worse!😠

• Talking

Talking and expressing yourself is good but doesn't mean it is easy. Some people find it difficult to express themselves, just like me👎, but eventually I started to open up to people and I do feel better. They might don't have any answer however by just telling someone  how you feel will make you restored and reducing stress. Bottling things up will make things worse, the thoughts will be played over and over in your head, leading to overthinking and depression😟.

• The Spiritual Dimension

 For many people their religious faith can give them valuable support during the stress of cancer treatment👍. It can provide calmness and comfort and gives strength to go through tough period. It gives you hope when times are bad. Personally, I feel better after praying, my bad thoughts are cleared and I feel calmer. Faith should means as a support during your treatment and not as an alternative.

• Socialize

 Suffering from cancer or any diseases might lead to secluding💔. Some might be ashamed and avoid any social contact and activity. First thing is don't isolate yourself, it will lead to depression and demoralization. Friends and family will always support you no matter in what circumstances. isolating yourself will weaken your body and reducing happiness according to science. Weak body and mental state is not needed in treating diseases. Just be who you are, cancer doesn't change any bit about you.😀

• Do What You Like

 Do whatever you like. Watching movies, reading, writing. Do anything that will make you happy and forget about your disease. Interact with people on social medias💻, keep in touch with your friend, they want to know about your progress - they really do! I started to learn playing guitar to relieve all my stress. I learned online and after several practices I get the hang of it. You can do anything you like, for instance gardening, drawing, or painting. Just don't overdo it.

In the next chapter I will share about my diet during chemotherapy😁