Coping with Cancer During the Holidays

A cancer diagnosis might mean you’re not feeling so jolly this holiday season. Rest assured, you aren’t alone. The American Cancer Society estimates as many as 25 percent of cancer patients develop depression; that’s contrasted with about 7 percent in the general population.

It makes sense. Just because it’s the holiday season doesn’t eliminate the reasons for feeling sad, depressed and lonely and it’s not unusual or abnormal for these emotions to surface this time of year. Those feelings might be exacerbated if you are in the middle of treatments and find your energy level is low and you experience regret about not being able to do what you have done in past years.

According to CancerCare.org, family togetherness and the often-unrealistic expectations of a holiday season filled with picture-perfect, joyful gatherings can cause tremendous stress for anyone, let alone a cancer survivor. What’s their advice? “Don’t feel obligated to be festive or try to be all things to all people.”

There is no right or wrong way to handle the holidays says Sarah Kelly, LMSW and an oncology social worker with CancerCare.org.

“Some people may wish to follow traditions, while others may choose to change things up. Don’t feel you must make every single moment of the holiday season memorable. It’s better to limit yourself to a few events instead of drifting from one event to another, or feeling too exhausted to be able to enjoy any occasion.”

Kelly recommends planning an afternoon outing or weekend getaway. Spend some time with someone you don’t usually visit, or perhaps spend time in a new or different setting. Even daily exercise can reduce stress by increasing energy.

Here’s more tips on how to cope through the holiday season.

• Make the Holidays About Your Relationships
  Plan to get together with family, friends and co-workers. Celebrating alone is difficult, so don’t be shy about accepting invitations with others, just keep in mind you’ll need to find the right balance between “people time” and “me time”. Give yourself permission to pace your activities. If you need to, decline an invitation or two so that you have enough energy to enjoy the gatherings that are more important to you.
• Create A New Tradition
  Give yourself permission not to feel the usual holiday pressure. That fancy get-together can go “potluck” this year by letting your guests share their favorite holiday foods, let someone else host the meal or chose to take the party to your favorite restaurant.
• Be A Modern Shopper
  Use mail order catalogues, shop over the telephone, or try online shopping this year, and don’t be afraid to take advantage of a store’s gift-wrapping and direct shipping options. If you prefer a more sentimental gift, share your thoughts and feelings. Write a short note or make a phone call to let others know that you are thinking about them.
• Express Yourself
  Having cancer is scary. It is an emotional roller-coaster ride, so don’t be afraid to express your feelings in ways that help you receive support from the important people in your life. Tears can bring a sense of relief. Laughter can be therapy. Sharing can be comforting. Let your feelings breathe by talking them over with a loved one, friend, or professional counselor.

Lynette Summerill is an award-winning writer who lives in Scottsdale, Arizona. In addition to writing about cancer-related issues for EmpowHER, she pens Nonsmoking Nation, a blog following global tobacco news and events.

More Cancer Support and Coping Resources are available at:
CancerCare, a national nonprofit organization that provides free, professional support services for anyone affected by cancer. Call 1-800-813-HOPE (4673) or visit www.cancercare.org

American Cancer Society and its millions of supporters nationwide saves lives and creates a world with less cancer and more birthdays by helping people stay well, helping people get well, by finding cures, and by fighting back. Call 1-800-ACS-2345 or visit www.cancer.org

National Cancer Institute, www. cancer.gov/cancertopics/factsheet/Support