Guest Post: Addressing Mental Health Concerns in Childhood Cancer Survivors
Guest blogger Rose Joseph is a California-based HR professional with an interest in health and wellness. She believes in the ability of words to sway emotion, which is why she's passionate about doing her part in improving corporate culture. When she's not working, Lucy enjoys running and yoga.
If you or your child is suffering from emotional distress, discuss your concerns with your healthcare provider and seek a referral to a mental health professional.
If you've ever encountered a childhood cancer survivor, you're familiar with an unusual blend of fortitude and deep stress. Children who go through the ordeal of cancer are always inspiring and often display surprisingly positive outlooks. But even when they're through the worst of things physically, many are just beginning to deal with the mental and emotional toll of their cancer journey. The National Cancer Institute reports that up to 25% of cancer survivors experience symptoms of depression, while 45% suffer some form of anxiety. These worrying statistics expose the side of cancer that is too often neglected –– especially as we get caught up in the sheer joy of seeing a child beat the disease.
Photo by Kelly Sikkema on Unsplash
These stats, combined with the physical hardships associated with cancer, are what make the disease so difficult to live through, as it affects the child even after their battle has supposedly ended. Furthermore, we know that there is a link between mental health and learning success, and it is a connection that can very well affect how a patient or survivor will be able to deal with school moving forward. This is all the more reason to be aware of these issues, so that they can be addressed before getting out of hand.
The good news is that the process of addressing mental health for cancer survivors has grown simpler and more accessible. There is a far greater focus now on mental health than ever before, and the medical industry is stepping up to meet increasing demand for psychosocial services. As of this writing, Maryville University's online nurse practitioner program notes that psychiatric specialties are among the highest-paying nursing careers. On top of this, there are growing calls for governments and healthcare institutions alike to provide more services regarding mental care for adolescents. Real progress is being made, even if these matters take time.
With all of that said, the process still begins with recognizing how mental health issues manifest in childhood cancer survivors. Here's a bit more about what you need to know:
Anxiety
Anxiety is the body's natural response to stress and can be described as (often ‘irrational’) feelings of fear about what hasn't happened or what could happen. Naturally, being diagnosed with cancer can put children under immense stress and thus make them more prone to anxiety.
This condition can also manifest in more apparent forms such as panic attacks. These symptoms include a rapid increase in heart rate, sweating, shaking, and shortness of breath. And while we tend to relate panic attacks primarily to adults, it is still best to be mindful of these symptoms if you are involved in the care of a childhood cancer survivor. If you can catch symptoms early on, you can begin taking steps to head off panic attacks and address the underlying anxiety.
Depression
Depression can be harder to catch, as its symptoms may be mistaken for the effects of cancer and the treatment the patient is undergoing. Symptoms include hopelessness, loss of appetite, restlessness, fatigue, and trouble with either sleeping or waking. It is best to consult a professional if any of these symptoms are present, because proper diagnosis is crucial.
A study published by the Journal of Clinical Nursing reveals that individuals with poor social support have a higher probability of developing depression. Given this, the most important thing you can do for a childhood cancer survivor in this regard is to provide that support –– both personally and by helping the child get back into his or her social life to whatever extent is possible.
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is an anxiety disorder that may develop after a person experiences a frightening or life-threatening situation. PTSD is commonly associated with extreme experiences like war, sexual or physical assault, natural disasters, or a serious accident, but cancer patients - including children - are susceptible to it too, as the disease comes with several possible PTSD triggers.
Aspects of cancer that may trigger PTSD include the initial and future diagnoses, pain or discomfort, tests, and the subsequent test results. For some patients, simply going to the hospital can trigger the illness. PTSD manifests via nightmares, strong feelings of hopelessness, general lack of interest, and self-destructive behavior — all of which can make cancer recovery much harder. To seek treatment for PTSD, it is again best to consult a professional. Possible treatments might include psychotherapy, medication, support groups (less common for kids), or a mix of the three.
Armed and empowered with information and resources, you have the tools to help manage both the physical and mental care for the childhood cancer survivor in your life. And remember always that you are not in this alone! If you or your child is suffering from emotional distress, discuss your concerns with your healthcare provider and seek a referral to a mental health professional. This is particularly important if your distress lasts more than two weeks and/or interferes with your daily activities.
Visit the Stewart Initiative for Childhood Cancer Survivors to find more information and resources, courtesy of the Children’s Cancer Cause.