Exercise is not only safe for most people undergoing cancer treatment, but it can also help you feel better. Moderate exercise has been shown to help fatigue, anxiety, muscle strength, cardiovascular health, and blood vessel health, but even light exercise can help you stay as healthy as possible. For example, walking is a good way to start, as well as a good way to keep moving during times of stress.
Talk to your doctor about your exercise plans before you start. Depending on your physical condition, you may need the help of a physical therapist to come up with a plan that is right and safe for you.
Keep in mind that while exercise may help reduce distress levels for some people, exercise alone is generally not enough to help people with moderate to severe distress.
Mental health services
Mental health services are used to assess and treat moderate to severe distress. This type of distress may be due to other emotional or psychiatric issues that the person had before the cancer was found. Some problems that can make it difficult for a person to cope and that can be made worse by the anxiety of cancer are:
- severe depression
- Dementia
- Anxiety
- Panic attacks
- Mood swing disorders
- Personality disorders
- assimilation disorders
- Substance abuse
Mental health professionals use a variety of counseling and psychotherapy strategies to help you cope with your situation. They begin by helping you determine what has worked well for you in the past. They will respect your way of dealing with distress and will try to help you strengthen it. They can help you understand how past problems and experiences may be making it hard to deal with cancer. You may also be taught relaxation and meditation techniques that are helpful in managing distress.
. In the case of the feet, although you can always work them with your hands, using external elements, such as a roller or a ball, can contribute to relaxation much better . You can also freeze a small bottle of water and use it to your feet, since the contrast of the cold is also good for working your muscles. Place them on the object of your choice and, either standing or sitting, exert pressure and massage the soles.
