Anxiety is common in people who are facing new or stressful situations. It is also normal to feel anxious when facing a life-threatening illness. Huntsman Cancer Institute (HCI) offers many resources to help manage anxiety and other cancer-related side effects.
Call the clinic or hospital if any of these symptoms occur:
- Feeling like something bad is going to happen
- General feelings of dread, panic, or nervousness
- Rapid heartbeat
- Shaking
- Sweaty palms
Some of these can also be caused by cancer treatments, so it is important for patients to tell the doctor about any symptoms.
What patients can do:
- Get educated. If something about your treatment causes anxiety, ask the clinic for more information. If concerns about treatment side effects arise, ask the nurse or doctor how to manage them.
- Get help when needed. Ask the doctor or nurse to refer you to a social worker who can help treat your anxiety.
- Practice ways to relax, such as deep breathing and meditation. Visit the Linda B. And Robert B. Wiggins Wellness-Survivorship Center or Cancer Learning Center for more information about relaxation methods.
- Remember anxiety is a normal part of coping with cancer. Over time, it should get better.
- Talk with your health care provider about acupuncture as a way to manage related symptoms such as insomnia and distress. Watch our video or call or visit the Wellness-Survivorship Center for more information about this treatment.
- Think about activities or memories that are pleasant and relaxing.
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