May is Mental Health Awareness Month!

Maintaining mental wellness can be challenging following a blood cancer diagnosis, and anxiety and depression often go hand in hand with managing cancer treatment and survivorship. Everyday LLS Education & Services team members support patients in finding resources and information to help them be as mentally healthy as possible while dealing with cancer.

LLS Information Specialists provide publications, links, resources, and educational information about mental health and can support patients in finding a mental health professional near them. LLS Community, an online gathering place for patients and caregivers, along with the Patti Robinson Kaufmann First Connection peer support program link patients and caregivers with others going through similar experiences. Weekly online chats and regional support groups offer another way to connect and find support.

Managing Stress is an LLS booklet that includes tips for identifying stress and interventions that can help. The LLS Mental HealthFact Sheet outlines things to consider, where to find help, and tips for supporting mental well-being. How Do I? Videos, The Bloodline with LLSpodcast, and LLS webinars have topics focused on mental health.

For young adults, LLS collaborates with Elephants and Tea on Pen My Path Healing Through Writing expressive writing workshops and Beads of Courage for art workshops. For others, LLS’s Pen My Path expressive writing program provides an opportunity to use writing as a coping tool for managing feelings related to having cancer. These programs are run via the online LLS Community.

For healthcare professionals, the LLS Professional Education team hosts webinars and continuing education programs along with the Treating Blood Cancers podcast with episodes focused on preventing burnout and managing stress.

LLS is here for you all year long to support your mental health and more!

If you or a loved one is experiencing a mental health crisis, dial 988 to talk to a trained mental health professional. The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline is free, confidential and always available. For the Crisis Text Line, text HOME to 741741.