Mesothelioma is a very deadly form of cancer that affects the lining of the lungs or the lining of the abdomen.
According to research, 25% of all cancer patients suffer from depression, and mesothelioma patients have higher rates of depression when they are diagnosed with mesothelioma.
A mesothelioma patient may experience depression because of worries about finding the money to pay for the very high costs of mesothelioma treatment, concerns about how one has changed physically because of radiation therapy: one may lose hair or become obese and that can lower self-esteem. Furthermore, some cancer drugs, such as analgesics and steroids, can also have negative effects on the mood.
So, what can you do to help boost your mood so that you can enjoy life better, if you have been diagnosed with this disease?
1. Exercise Often
According to Dr. Michael Miller, assistant professor of psychiatry at the Harvard Medical School, exercise is as effective as antidepressants when it comes to the treating of depression.
Exercising helps to boost the brain's production of endorphins, a group of chemicals that make one feel good. Consequently, one experiences a sense of well-being after exercising.
So, choose to spend at least 30 minutes every day exercising. However, you must be circumspect about the kind of exercise you do. According to oncologists, brisk walking, restorative yoga poses, swimming, cycling, elliptical training, and lightweight strength training are the exercises that are safe for mesothelioma patients to do.
2. Interact With A Pet Often
One of the symptoms of depression is feelings of loneliness. However, you can combat this feeling if you interact with a cat, dog, rabbit, parrot and so on on a regular basis throughout each day. A study published by the John Hopkins Depression and Anxiety Bulletin has shown that when depressed people hug, touch, or play with their pets, they feel less lonely.
A pet will not judge you and criticize you for behaving as though the world is coming to an end, unlike a friend, father, mother, brother, or sister who may scold you.
Additionally, you will find it easier to express all the terrible feelings and thoughts you may be having to a pet than to a human being who you may feel will ridicule you or treat your concerns with disdain.
3. Write Your Feelings Down In A Diary
Whenever any discouraging thought comes into your mind, or when you feel sad or hopeless, scribble that thought or feeling into your diary. It will help you to clear your mind so that you can analyze how you are feeling better. And when you read what you have written down, you will understand what is bothering you better so that you can take remedial measures to deal with your thoughts and feelings.
Moreover, journaling will help you to become more aware of how you are reacting to the diagnosis, and also to get to understand yourself better. This will "open your eyes" and you will see that some of the thoughts are silly thoughts. Consequently, you will be able to get rid of those silly thoughts when they come into your mind later.
4. Read An Exciting Novel Often That Can Capture Your Imagination
When one is depressed, negative thoughts enter the mind subconsciously, frequently, and so seem so real and true to the person who is suffering from depression. This perceived "reality" often overshadows the true reality. Furthermore, the mind of the depressed person wanders often, usually focusing on negative things and the worst that can happen: one finds it very hard to tie the imagination down.
However, when you read often, and you meet characters who face depressing situations, but who find ways to deal with their depression effectively, it will help you to change your perspective and you will see that you can also do something about your depression. When you are able to change how you think you will think more positively. Consequently, your feelings are also likely to change and you are likely to feel better about the situation.
5. Pray Every Day
I am battling a number of diseases which make me feel depressed most of the time. However, when I pray, I feel connected to God and when I remind myself that God is able to do all things and He can heal me in His own time, it gives me hope and that makes me feel better.
Furthermore, it helps me to view my situation from a broad perspective instead of being narrow-minded: I remember what God has done for me in the past and that boosts my faith and makes me believe that He will also help me today and tomorrow. Consequently, I feel more optimistic about the future and I enjoy each day better.
So, practice this every day for at least 10 minutes before you go about your duties. Mindfully, share your cares and burdens with the LORD and you will experience a sense of well-being.
In Concluding
When you are diagnosed with mesothelioma, it is absolutely normal that you will feel depressed. However, when you choose to leave the comfort of your bed and to stretch your sinews and tendons, when you play with your pet often instead of isolating yourself in your room, when you express your feelings and thoughts onto paper, when you choose to read something engaging, and when you pray instead of just ruminating or reflecting on the disease and why you should suffer such a fate, you will experience a mood boost and that will make it easier for you to continue living.
