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A cancer diagnosis can be life-changing. While much of the focus is on physical health and treatment, the emotional and mental challenges are just as significant. Feelings of anxiety, depression, or difficulty adjusting to your new reality can affect your overall wellbeing.
Addressing these concerns through mental health therapies is an important step towards improving your emotional resilience and supporting your recovery journey.
At Schoen Clinic Chelsea, we take a holistic approach to care, recognising the vital role of mental health in cancer treatment. In this article, we’ll explore some of the types of therapies available to support cancer patients, their benefits, and expert insights from Dr James Woolley, Consultant Psychiatrist at Schoen Clinic Chelsea.
If you need specialised mental health support, please don't hesitate to contact us today.
The emotional impact of cancer
A cancer diagnosis often brings with it a whirlwind of emotions and challenges. “So much of it is about adjusting to the reality of a new, often unexpected situation that people find themselves in, dealing with the uncertainty about how things are going to progress, particularly in the early stages of new diagnosis and treatment,” says Dr Woolley. “And there's so much uncertainty about how well things are going to respond, what things are going to look like in a year, five years, ten years.”
From the shock of the initial news to the uncertainty of treatment outcomes, it’s normal to feel overwhelmed. Common emotional struggles for individuals with cancer include:
Anxiety: Worrying about medical appointments, test results, or the future.
Depression: Experiencing sadness, loss of motivation, or difficulty enjoying daily life.
Adjustment challenges: Coping with lifestyle changes, identity shifts, and the reality of living with cancer.
These emotional challenges are not uncommon, and seeking mental health support can provide the tools needed to cope with such a difficult time.
Expert insights from Dr James Woolley
At Schoen Clinic Chelsea, we’re proud to offer expert mental health support to individuals navigating cancer treatment. Dr James Woolley, Consultant Psychiatrist, explains the importance of psychological therapies in managing the emotional impact of cancer.
Watch the video: Dr James Woolley on Mental Health Therapies for Cancer Patients
Mental health therapies for people with cancer
"The vast majority of people needing some additional support when it comes to mental health alongside cancer treatment would be most likely to see psychologists or psychotherapists for talking types of treatment", explains Dr Woolley.
However, there are several evidence-based therapies designed to address the unique mental health needs of individuals with cancer. Each approach offers practical and emotional support to help patients navigate their journey.
1. Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
CBT is a structured, short-term therapy that focuses on identifying and changing negative thought patterns. It can be particularly helpful for individuals with cancer experiencing:
Anxiety about treatment outcomes or hospital visits.
Panic attacks related to scans or medical appointments.
Difficulty managing stress and uncertainty.
By learning healthier ways to think and respond to challenges, patients often feel more in control and resilient.
2. Counselling and emotional support
Counselling provides a safe and confidential space to explore difficult emotions. A trained therapist can help you process feelings of fear, anger, or sadness, offering support in areas such as:
Adjustment: Coming to terms with a cancer diagnosis and treatment.
Grief and loss: Dealing with changes to your health, relationships, or lifestyle.
Self-compassion: Building emotional resilience and inner strength.
3. Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR)
Mindfulness is an effective way to manage stress and improve emotional wellbeing. Through techniques such as meditation, breathing exercises, and relaxation practices, MBSR can help:
Reduce stress and anxiety levels.
Promote a sense of calm and balance.
Improve focus and emotional regulation during treatment.
4. Support groups and shared therapy
Group therapy brings together individuals facing similar challenges, creating a sense of community and understanding. It provides:
Emotional validation and mutual support.
Opportunities to share coping strategies.
A safe space to discuss concerns openly.
5. Psychiatric support and medication
In some cases, psychiatric care may complement psychological therapies. While medication is not always necessary, it can be helpful for managing severe anxiety or depression.
When it comes to the interaction between mental health conditions and treatment for cancer, one area it's important to keep an eye on is when medication is being used for both conditions.
Dr James Woolley explains, “There are some rare cases where mental health medication can interact and cause problems with cancer medication. For example, if you're taking tamoxifen for breast cancer, some types of antidepressants can make tamoxifen much less effective.
So being aware of that and getting some specialist advice usually makes it fairly straightforward, for example, to switch one antidepressant for another that then isn't going to cause problems with the cancer treatment.”
The benefits of mental health support for individuals with cancer
Integrating mental health therapies into cancer care has been shown to provide numerous benefits, including:
Improved emotional wellbeing: Reducing feelings of anxiety, sadness, and overwhelm.
Enhanced coping skills: Equipping patients with tools to manage stress and uncertainty.
Better treatment adherence: Addressing mental health challenges makes it easier to follow medical advice and attend appointments.
Increased resilience: Helping patients navigate their journey with strength and optimism.
You are not alone
At Schoen Clinic Chelsea, we understand the emotional toll that cancer can take. Our team of mental health professionals is here to support you every step of the way, offering personalised therapies tailored to your individual needs.
We have a number of Consultant Psychiatrists with specialist expertise in supporting individuals with cancer, as well as a dedicated multidisciplinary team of psychologists, psychotherapists, occupational therapists, and nutritionists. Together, we provide a holistic approach to care, addressing both your mental and physical well-being to help you feel supported throughout your journey.
If you or a loved one is experiencing mental health challenges alongside a cancer diagnosis, reach out to our team for compassionate, expert care. Taking care of your mental health is a vital part of your overall well-being and recovery.
Contact Schoen Clinic Chelsea by email today to learn more about our services and how we can support you.
Alternatively, you can complete our online registration and pre-screening questionnaire to begin private treatment as early as possible.