Supporting Cancer Patients and Their Families in the Communities Where They Live,
Work and Receive Treatment.
Welcome Summer!
With the unofficial start of Summer this week, it’s time to once again welcome all the wonderful things that harken nostalgic memories. Bring on the grilling, summer recreation, time on the patio, and gatherings with family and friends.
We continue our Summer series on emotional health in this edition. Part two is below. In case you missed it, check out part one here. The series continues in the next several Foundation Biweekly newsletter editions.
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HYBRID CANCER SUPPORT GROUP
Open to anyone who is impacted by cancer, including cancer patients, survivors, caregivers, and health professionals in a safe space to explore the cancer realm.
First Working Mondays
6:00 pm–7:00 pm CT
Online or in person at Texas Oncology–Paris, 3550 NE Loop 286, Paris, TX
By Ashley Griffin, MSW, LCSW, Social Worker, Clinical Services
Texas Oncology–Houston Medical Center, Sugar Land,
Deke-Slayton, Baytown, Pasadena
Caregivers are the unsung heroes in any cancer experience. They pour themselves into a new role and sacrifice everything to save their loved ones.
Caregivers play an indispensable role throughout the cancer journey, yet their emotional and spiritual needs are frequently overlooked. Providing care can be physically and emotionally exhausting. Caregivers may suppress their fears and feelings to remain strong for the patients. This emotional burden, if left unaddressed, can lead to burnout, anxiety, or depression.
It’s important to acknowledge and validate that caregivers are experiencing something too. Supporting caregivers’ emotional well-being is equally as important as helping the patient. Access to counseling, peer support groups, and self-care resources can make a significant difference. Additionally, caregivers often draw strength from their spiritual beliefs or values, finding purpose in their role and seeking meaning in their challenges. Encouraging caregivers to reflect, recharge, and seek spiritual support can improve their resilience and capacity to provide care over the long term.
The emotional rollercoaster can continue after treatment concludes. Caregivers might feel overwhelmed, distressed, and uncertain about how to navigate the whole cancer experience. Cancer can take one’s will if you let it. Both patients and caregivers are looking for a sense of normalcy and control.
It all impacts emotional health. Caregivers should find a moment when they can just shut it off and make purposeful time for themselves. It is also helpful to find opportunities to take control in areas where possible. It not only helps with a caregiver’s their emotional health, but even the relationship with the patient.
If you are a caregiver, find an outlet to do something you enjoy regularly. Consider joining Texas Oncology Foundation’s Caregiver Connections or Caregiver Survival support groups. Your emotional health will be the better for it.
