Emotional Well-Being After Illness

Most patients adjust well to the life changes brought about by childhood cancer, blood disorders, or other life-threatening illness. However, patients and survivors often face challenges related to their emotional well-being.

Challenges after illness

Challenges that patients may face after a serious illness include:

• Fear that the condition will return
• Concern that a new problem or other treatment-related conditions will occur
• Feeling anxious or worried while waiting for the results of follow-up scans and screening tests
• Changes in body image if their condition has caused a change in physical appearance or function
• Changes in confidence or self-esteem 
• Chronic pain or other health limitation
• Anger or feelings of resentment for having had cancer or having to go through treatment when others did not
• Concerns about being treated differently by friends, classmates, and co-workers
• Worry about potential discrimination by employers
• Concerns about dating, marrying, and having a family

Healthy coping

Everybody reacts differently to challenges and problems. In healthy coping, a person takes steps to identify the problem, think of potential solutions, and then try out these solutions.

To cope with worry or sadness, try to:

• Recognize when these emotions happen.
• Use coping skills and strategies to help manage them. 
• Seek help if these emotions get worse, don't go away, or impact daily activities.

Signs of unhealthy coping include turning to harmful habits such as heavy alcohol use, tobacco, drugs, and overeating. People who are having trouble adjusting may withdraw from relationships and situations. These lifestyle choices can lead to physical problems and emotional distress that may need medical attention. Many pediatric hospitals have psychologists, social workers, and chaplains who can provide mental health services or suggest community resources.

When to seek help

Seek help from a health care provider or mental health professional if you have ongoing feelings of worry or sadness that last 2 weeks or longer or interfere with daily activities at home, school, or work.

Other possible signs and symptoms that help is needed may include:

• Changes in appetite and weight
• Crying easily or being unable to cry
• Constant tiredness or low energy level
• Sleeping too much or not sleeping well
• Feeling hopeless or thoughts of death, escape, or suicide
• Increased irritability
• Decreased interest in activities that you used to enjoy
• Unwanted recall of painful or distressing aspects of illness or treatments
• Feeling extremely fearful, upset, or angry when thinking about your diagnosis
• Physical reactions when thinking about your illness, such as rapid heart rate, shortness of breath, or nausea
• Avoiding health care visits

Patients may face different emotional challenges during and after the care journey. Talk to a health care provider or mental health professional to learn about resources that can help support emotional health and well-being. 

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