Anxiety

Suggestions for Managing Care at Home
Taking Care of the Caregiver
Anxiety
Body Image Changes
Change and Uncertainty
Fatigue
Memory and Concentration
Nausea and Vomiting
Pain Managment

It is very common for a person to feel anxious when facing a new or stressful situation. We all feel worried at times in our day-to-day lives. People may experience anxiety as nervousness, tension, panic, fear, or a feeling like something bad is going to happen. Anxiety can also be experienced as physical symptoms, such as upset stomach, sweaty palms, fast heartbeat, shaking, or flushed face.

Although it is normal to feel anxious when facing a life-threatening illness, the goal is to reduce anxiety.

Your Goals:

• Learn how to cope with anxiety.
• Get professional help when needed.

Important Signs and Symptoms (report any of these symptoms to your doctor or nurse during clinic hours each day):

• Feelings of dread and apprehension for several days.
  
  
• Physical symptoms, such as upset stomach, sweaty palms, fast heartbeat, shaking, or flushed face. (Keep in mind that these symptoms can also be caused by side effects of treatment.)
  
  
• Wide mood swings that you cannot control.

What You Can Do At Home:

• Learn how to cope with anxiety.
  
  
• Recognize that anxiety during treatment is normal, as is getting help for it.
  
  
• Try to understand what thoughts are triggering the anxiety. For example, if you are anxious about a medical procedure, ask yourself what it is about the procedure that is upsetting. Then ask yourself how you would change the procedure so it doesn't make you so anxious. (SCCA staff may be able to help make those changes, so talk with them about it.)
  
  
• Get the facts to help reduce anxiety. For example, if you are worried about pain or discomfort, you can get information on how to manage pain or discomfort. (Ask SCCA staff if you need help getting the information you want.)
  
  
• Thinking about doing things that are pleasant and relaxing can help reduce anxiety. Relaxation is a skill which you can learn, and can be used to alleviate anxiety. It is impossible to be relaxed and anxious at the same time.
  
  
• Get professional help when needed.
  
  
• If anxiety doesn't improve despite your efforts to reduce it, discuss solutions with your nurse, doctor, or social worker.