Cancers like mesothelioma are deadly and they destroy lives. But one of the main dangers is depression. Studies have shown that the rate of depression is higher for cancer sufferers, and that can make patients downhearted and less likely to seek out alternative treatments that work.
Paul Kraus is the longest living survivor of mesothelioma and he advocates maintaining a positive attitude. Depression harms physical and mental health, and for mesothelioma sufferers that’s almost a guaranteed death sentence.
We’re going to talk about some of the things you can do to improve your state of mind as you fight cancer and maintain your healthy living.
Why Depression is Such a Problem
Depression is such a problem for cancer sufferers because the effect it has on attitude. When someone suffers from depression after a cancer diagnosis it has a disabling effect.
This disabling effect has a variety of effects, including:
- Reduced appetite.
- Increased stress.
- A lack of willingness to exercise.
Low stress, a natural diet, and regular exercise are the three most important ingredients in beating mesothelioma and staying healthy. Depression can put a stop to everything. Plus, patients are far less likely to take an interest in their treatment. They feel as if they’re certain to die so there’s no point any longer. And depression following a mesothelioma diagnosis is incredibly common.
Take Each Day as it Comes
People can feel depressed after being diagnosed with peritoneal mesothelioma because everything seems so overwhelming. They’re thinking about treatments, their prognosis, their family, and questions regarding what comes after death. This page offers some interesting insight into the disease.
The key is to take each day as it comes. Don’t think about everything that may or may not happen. Take every single day as it comes. Paul Kraus never knew he would live for as long as 20 years after his diagnosis. His prognosis was just a few months. But he took each challenge that came along and faced it in the short term. With aggressive forms of cancer, this is all you can do.
Be Inspired
Worries over survival are the most common reason for depression. Sufferers of mesothelioma feel this most acutely as you may only survive for a month after diagnosis or you could survive for years. These days mesothelioma sufferers are living longer due to a range of new and alternative treatments becoming available. Be inspired by the likes of Paul Kraus, who have managed to defy belief by researching new treatments and focusing on giving themselves the best possible chance of living longer.
Stay Busy
Staying busy is another excellent way of staving off feelings of depression. The more time you have to dwell the worse you’re going to feel. Take a proactive approach to your treatment. Regular meditation and yoga can relieve feelings of stress and strengthen your mind. There are a variety of different types of yoga and meditation, so talk to an expert and start taking an active role in your treatment.
Last Word – Maintaining a Positive Attitude
Maintaining that positive attitude is so important for mesothelioma sufferers. Pray regularly and connect with God. Be inspired by those who have beaten cancer.
You’ll be amazed at the results on your mood and on your prognosis.
