Assessing, treating psychological health is important part of cancer care, UF expert says

For people with cancer, receiving treatment for the depression and anxiety that is commonly associated with the disease is just as important as taking care of their physical health.

Because of the strong connection between mind and body, the way you think and behave affects how you feel physically and conversely, the status of your physical health affects your emotional health, said Deidre Pereira, Ph.D., an assistant professor of clinical and health psychology at the University of Florida College of Health Professions.

The National Comprehensive Cancer Network recommends that all people undergoing cancer treatment be screened for psychological issues, and those with moderate to severe symptoms should receive treatment.

People undergoing cancer treatment commonly suffer from feelings of distress, anxiety, sadness and body image issues. Some report symptoms associated with post-traumatic stress disorder. And family members of people with cancer can have similar emotional responses, said Pereira, who directs a new UF psycho-oncology program offering psychological assessments and individual and family counseling for patients with cancer and their loved ones.

“Many people who are diagnosed with cancer experience some distress,” Pereira said. “Sometimes the distress can become so severe that it starts to interfere with the ability to cope, function on a day-to-day basis and take care of oneself. When this happens, it is very important to seek help from a health provider or mental health specialist who has experience treating distress in people affected by cancer.”

Some of the treatments that are often helpful for people affected by cancer include individual or family counseling, support groups, and medication to relieve anxiety and depression. Many people also find it valuable to seek out support and guidance from their clergy or spiritual adviser.

If you or a loved one is being treated for cancer and have any of the following symptoms, contact a health provider for treatment:

·Feeling sad, hopeless, alone or like giving up ·Feeling irritable, stressed out, nervous or scared ·Not being able to relax ·Having difficulty getting along with friends and family ·Not wanting to do things you normally like to do ·Having trouble sleeping ·Using drugs or alcohol to cope with how you feel ·Having difficulty making it to your medical appointments because of how you feel emotionally ·Having thoughts that maybe life isn’t worth living or that you’d be better off dead ·Not being able to concentrate or keep your mind on something

For more information contact Pereira at dpereira@hp.ufl.edu or 352-265-0294.