Combating Feelings of Isolation
During cancer treatment and when it ends, you might feel like you’re receiving less support from friends, family and your medical team. It’s normal to feel like you are getting less attention from those you care about once treatment is over.
You might have lost friends during this journey, drifting apart from those you care about or losing touch with friends who didn’t know what to do.
Certain people might not understand what you’re going through, and it can be hard to share feelings of sadness and loss with people saying you should be “happy” treatment is over.
Some survivors also have difficulty feeling “normal” and finding peers who can relate to their experiences. It’s important to remember that many survivors have feelings of isolation after cancer.
Your emotional health is just as important as your physical health. If you are feeling isolated or lonely, getting help is key.
You might have lost friends during this journey, drifting apart from those you care about or losing touch with friends who didn’t know what to do.
Certain people might not understand what you’re going through, and it can be hard to share feelings of sadness and loss with people saying you should be “happy” treatment is over.
Some survivors also have difficulty feeling “normal” and finding peers who can relate to their experiences. It’s important to remember that many survivors have feelings of isolation after cancer.
Your emotional health is just as important as your physical health. If you are feeling isolated or lonely, getting help is key.
Tips to ease isolation
- Be open and honest. Hiding your feelings from those you care about can cut you off from the support you need.
- Join a support group. Support groups can help you connect to those with similar experiences.
- Participate in activities you enjoy. Doing things you love (like hiding or taking an art class) not only boosts your mood, it helps build your social network.
- Get help. If you’re overwhelmed by feelings of loneliness and sadness, consider seeking the support of an expert, like a psychologists or social worker, to help you cope.