Join Now
Sign In
What anxiety and stress relief techniques have you found to be most effective for patients?
Topic Tags:
Topic Tags:
Diseases:
Diseases:
1
Expert Answers
NancyJoBushRNONP (Nurse (Verified) ) - 11 / 02 / 2011
One of the most common psychological responses to the experience of cancer is anxiety!
A clear distinction does not always exist between the normal fears that cancer initiates and other anxiety reactions that are intense. What is known is that cancer is a stressful journey and normal anxiety reactions present at different points along the cancer continuum: at diagnosis, during treatment, at recurrence, and other times when the patient does not know what to expect and feels powerless to what is happening to them.
The most effective anxiety and stress relief technique I have found is in the form of education! I believe that if the patient has insight and knowledge about what exactly is happening to them and what they are facing, it gives them a sense of control and empowerment. Thus, decreasing the amount of stress and anxiety! For example, if I were to do a bone marrow biopsy on a patient I would first explain the purpose of the test. I would then take the person through the procedure one step at a time so that they would know what to expect at each moment in time.
Apprehension and fear drive stress and anxiety. Feelings of helplessness also contribute to stress and anxiety. To me, knowledge translates into control. It is important for us as healthcare practitioners to make the patient an informed "partner" in the his or her health care plan.
After education I believe in relaxation techniques such as progressive relaxation, deep breathing, guided imagery, yoga, biofeedback, and meditation. Progressive relaxation and deep breathing techniques can be learned easily by the patient and can give them a sense of control over what may be a frightening treatment or procedure. Listening to relaxation or guided imagery tapes during chemotherapy treatments is very effective in reducing anxiety.
There is also a role for the short term use of anxiolytics (drugs that reduce anxiety) such as the benzodiazepenes (ativan, xanax, etc) but these should be reserved for special circumstances, e.g., the fear and physical discomfort associated with a bone marrow biopsy.
Educating the patient is weaved through all the interventions mentioned and is my number one choice!
A clear distinction does not always exist between the normal fears that cancer initiates and other anxiety reactions that are intense. What is known is that cancer is a stressful journey and normal anxiety reactions present at different points along the cancer continuum: at diagnosis, during treatment, at recurrence, and other times when the patient does not know what to expect and feels powerless to what is happening to them.
The most effective anxiety and stress relief technique I have found is in the form of education! I believe that if the patient has insight and knowledge about what exactly is happening to them and what they are facing, it gives them a sense of control and empowerment. Thus, decreasing the amount of stress and anxiety! For example, if I were to do a bone marrow biopsy on a patient I would first explain the purpose of the test. I would then take the person through the procedure one step at a time so that they would know what to expect at each moment in time.
Apprehension and fear drive stress and anxiety. Feelings of helplessness also contribute to stress and anxiety. To me, knowledge translates into control. It is important for us as healthcare practitioners to make the patient an informed "partner" in the his or her health care plan.
After education I believe in relaxation techniques such as progressive relaxation, deep breathing, guided imagery, yoga, biofeedback, and meditation. Progressive relaxation and deep breathing techniques can be learned easily by the patient and can give them a sense of control over what may be a frightening treatment or procedure. Listening to relaxation or guided imagery tapes during chemotherapy treatments is very effective in reducing anxiety.
There is also a role for the short term use of anxiolytics (drugs that reduce anxiety) such as the benzodiazepenes (ativan, xanax, etc) but these should be reserved for special circumstances, e.g., the fear and physical discomfort associated with a bone marrow biopsy.
Educating the patient is weaved through all the interventions mentioned and is my number one choice!
Similar Questions
Note: All content on this site is informational and not a substitute for professional medical advice.
Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with questions regarding your health.
Note: Usernames have been made anonymous and profile images are not shown to protect the privacy of our members.
Thank you for flagging this content. We will look into it right away.
Add Answer
1) Question:
2) Background Info (optional): What context or background information is relevant to this request?
Notes:
The more clear and thorough your request, the more likely you will receive support.
Many of our members are learning from this information or english might not be their first language. Please use standard english and spell out all words. For example, use 'you' instead of 'u'.
The more clear and thorough your request, the more likely you will receive support.
Many of our members are learning from this information or english might not be their first language. Please use standard english and spell out all words. For example, use 'you' instead of 'u'.
Newsletters
Share Conversation
To tell people about this conversation, type their email addresses here (separated by commas):
From:
Add a personal note here:
Breast Cancer Updates
Sign up for our
Breast Cancer
updates for the latest news, best answers and featured experts.
Ads keep TalkAboutHealth freeadvertisement
Similar Questions
Updates
Sign up for email updates of the latest news, best answers, and featured experts.
Benefits
Custom health, wellness, & medical offers from our partners including clinical trials, market research opportunities & new programs.
Upcoming Workshops
-
Breast Cancer Oncology
Mon., May 20th
Expert: Katherine Crew, MD -
Melanoma Oncology
Mon., May 20th
Expert: Steven O'Day, MD -
Gastric (Stomach) Cancer Oncology
Tues., May 21st
Expert: Manish Shah, MD -
T-cell Lymphoma
Tues., May 21st
Expert: Francine Foss, MD -
Breast Cancer Oncology
Wed., May 22nd
Expert: Linnea Chap, MD -
Cancer Support and Psychosocial Education
Thurs., May 23rd
Expert: Jeff Kane, MD -
CLL - Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia
Fri., May 24th
Expert: Jennifer Brown, MD, PhD
SHARE Support
1) Call SHARE at: 866-891-2392
to speak directly to a trained breast cancer survivor for support and guidance.
2) Direct message the trained peer supporter you select.
3) E-mail us at support@talkabouthealth.com, and we will find the right match for you.
More info
to speak directly to a trained breast cancer survivor for support and guidance.
2) Direct message the trained peer supporter you select.
3) E-mail us at support@talkabouthealth.com, and we will find the right match for you.
More info
3 Quick Ways You Can Help
1) Spread the word! Tell people you think might want some support. Tell medical professionals, health providers, and organizations.
2) Like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter!
3) Volunteer - email us at volunteer@talkabouthealth.com for more information.
More Ways To Help!
2) Like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter!
3) Volunteer - email us at volunteer@talkabouthealth.com for more information.
More Ways To Help!
View All Newsletters
