What's Your Anxiety Level? During a stressful illness such as cancer, caregivers often become anxious. They may be afraid of what the future will bring, worry about their loved one's illness, and worry about their own ability to handle all the tasks of caregiving. These are normal reactions that may last from a few days to a few weeks. But a more intense anxiety, beyond ordinary worry, can develop over time and keep people from doing things that are important to them.
Did you know anxiety can be managed and treated so people enjoy life again? Below are some of the symptoms of serious anxiety.
- You tire easily, yet have trouble sleeping
- Your body is constantly tense
- You have racing thoughts.
- You are unable to control how much time you spend worrying
- You have frequent aches and pains that can't be traced to physical illness
- You are irritable most of the time
- You have had angry outbursts that are unusual for you
- You find yourself trembling or shaking
- You have noticed a racing heart, dry mouth, excess sweating, or being short of breath
- You feel the worst will happen (even though no one has told you that)
However, it is important to see a doctor if your anxious feelings are strong, if you have fearful thoughts, or if you can't accomplish your ordinary, daily activities. Another sign you may need help is when your anxiety lasts for more than two weeks. If you have any of the above symptoms, we encourage you to print out this checklist and talk it over with a doctor, nurse, social worker, or other professional on your cancer care team.
After seeing a doctor, you may feel better quickly because anxiety can be treated. People are often shocked at how much better they feel, and wonder why they waited so long to get help.
ACS support programs reach cancer survivors and patients throughout the US, and practical advice is available online to help patients with managing day-to-day and coping with physical and emotional changes. For more information call your American Cancer Society at 1-800-227-2345.
At the ACS Cancer Survivors Network Web site you can trade information and experiences with other patients and survivors--all from the convenience of your own home.
This is often a grey area for many of us that have had breast cancer and something many don't want to admit or discuss. Take a brief moment and see what ACS has to say about it and if you need to seek support.
Make it a great day!
Sue