How do I Relieve Anxiety Effects After Chemo?

One of the most stressful things that can cause anxiety in a person is receiving a cancer diagnosis. After being diagnosed with cancer, a person might experience more anxiety effects than usual. Anxiety effects can include restlessness, irritability, feelings of dread, difficulty concentrating and impatience. It's normal to feel more anxious during certain times during cancer treatment. One of these times is during and after chemotherapy treatments. It's easy for the mind to wander and think about the possible side effects of chemo, such as hair loss, fatigue, nausea, pain, diarrhea and blood clotting problems. There are several ways to relieve anxiety effects after chemo treatments.

Things You'll Need

• Support system
• Music
• Positive outlook

Instructions

1. Use reflexology to help you relax and stay calm. Reflexology is a kind of massage using pressure that is put on several areas of the body, specifically the hands, feet and ears. The nerves in these areas are connected to certain bodily organs or other parts of the body. The massage techniques used in reflexology help to reduce stress and tension, as well as improve the circulation of the blood. Reflexology can help a person to rest easier when anxious feeling arise.

2. Stay positive. It's always good to have a positive attitude, but it's even more important when you're going through chemotherapy treatments. After your treatment, reassure yourself that you are doing all you can to help treat your illness, and tell yourself you can beat it.

3. Find a support system. Family and friends are great to talk to about your fears. Another good support system would be a chemotherapy support group. When anxiety comes into play, it's helpful to tell people how you're feeling. When you express your fears to people who care or to others who are going through the same thing, you can get reassurance and can feel more relaxed.

4. Listen to music after chemotherapy appointments or any time you're feeling anxious. You may feel very anxious after your chemotherapy treatment. Classical music or any music that is slow in tempo can help you relax and feel calmer.

5. Use progressive muscle relaxation after your chemotherapy treatment. This is a relaxation technique that has you focus on one body part at a time. Start with your toes and breathe in deeply. Focus on that body part and take a few deep breaths. Next, move up to focus on your ankle. Take another few breaths. As you're focusing on a specific body part, concentrate on relaxing that particular muscle. Continue moving up your body, relaxing every muscle that you're focusing on. By the time you reach the top of your head, you should feel calmer.

References

• Pacific College of Oriental Medicine: Reflexology and Anxiety
• Rutgers New Brunswick/Piscataway Campus: You Don't Have to Live in Fear
• University of Michigan: Music Therapy Helps Relieve Anxiety, Emotions of Cancer Diagnosis

Resources

• St. Olaf College: The Effect of Progressive Muscle Relaxation Training on Anxiety
• University of South Florida: Efficacy and Cost of Two Forms of Stress Management Training