Step 5: Prioritize Emotional Support

The mental and emotional stress of living with cancer and undergoing treatment can be a serious challenge for both patients and caregivers—sometimes leading to greater problems in the long term. In 2008, the National Institute of Health set a new standard of care that includes psychosocial support through all stages of treatment. Caring for yourself emotionally is one of the most important things you can do to support yourself during and after a cancer experience.

View Emotional Support Resources

11/14

Special Place Guided Imagery

Special Place Guided Imagery helps reduce treatment-related anxiety, nausea, fatigue, and depression while increasing comfort, confidence, calm, and self-awareness. This guided practice uses all the senses to support healing and emotional steadiness. Benefits Guided Imagery Warm Up

09/27

DC Young Adult Cancer Community Programs

The DC Young Adult Cancer Community (DCYACC) is all about addressing the unique challenges and concerns of young adults in their 20’s, 30’s, and early 40’s who are living with cancer. In addition to welcoming Young Adult Cancer Survivors (YACS) to our weekly yoga, cooking, stress reduction, and support programs, we aim to provide a forum…

09/24

William Wendt Center for Loss and Healing

Wendt Center for Loss and Healing helps people in the DC area rebuild a sense of safety and hope after experiencing a loss, life-threatening illness, violence, or other trauma. Nationally recognized for their expertise in grief, trauma and mental health, the Wendt Center provides an array of holistic services for children, teens, adults, and families.

09/24

Ulman Foundation

09/24

Hope Connections for Cancer Support in Bethesda, MD

09/24

Life With Cancer Support Groups in Fairfax, VA

09/24

Psychology Today’s – Find a Therapist DC website

09/23

The Anatomy of Hope

What to do if you are diagnosed with cancer:

The following resources may be useful to you as you chart your course and make decisions about your care and the way you want to live through your experience with cancer.

1

Getting started & setting a course

2

Explore stress reduction practices

3

Nourish yourself with healthy foods

4

Soak up wisdom, find inspiration

5

Prioritize emotional support

6

Consider complementary & supportive therapies