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Darlene Dobkowski, Managing Editor for CURE® magazine, has been with the team since October 2020 and has covered health care in other specialties before joining MJH Life Sciences. She graduated from Emerson College with a Master’s degree in print and multimedia journalism. In her free time, she enjoys buying stuff she doesn’t need from flea markets, taking her dog everywhere and scoffing at decaf.
Experts from Cancer Treatment Centers of America explain why mental health is important from cancer diagnosis through survivorship, the types of therapy and more.
Seeking mental health care during one’s cancer journey can help improve symptoms related to anxiety, depression, fear and stress, but how does a patient or caregiver get started to find the best modality for them?
“Sometimes we think it’s more commonplace for somebody to experience anxiety, depression or stress in the middle of treatment or at the beginning, but once somebody completes treatment, that’s when those stressors become even more prevalent,” Diane Schaab told CURE®. “Your work, your life has changed, you feel different physically, psychologically, you want to go back to normal. … It’s really important to make sure we focus on mental health from the day of diagnosis all the way through survivorship.”
CURE® spoke with Schaab and Elaine Smith, behavioral health therapists at Cancer Treatment Centers of America in Atlanta, to learn more about why mental health is important from diagnosis through survivorship, the different types of therapy and helpful resources.
Why is mental health important?
What does therapy entail?
How do I know what is right for me?
What may prevent me from seeking the care I need?
What should I be aware of when looking for support?
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