Mental Health Awareness Month: Improving Mental Health Among Blood Cancer Patients

May is Mental Health Awareness Month

This month, HealthTree is sharing insights, tools, and resources to help patients and caregivers better understand how blood cancer impacts mental health and what can be done to improve it at every stage of diagnosis, treatment, and survivorship.

The prevalence of depression and anxiety among individuals diagnosed with cancer is increasing

Studies show that 35–40% of people with cancer have a diagnosable mental health condition. Despite this, patients remain underdiagnosed and undertreated due to a variety of barriers such as: 

• Stigma around mental health,
• Lack of routine mental health screening in oncology settings, and
• Limited access to specialized psychological support.

There are a range of factors that impact mental health during cancer treatment, such as the type of cancer, the therapy used, cancer stage, personal support systems, and access to mental health resources.  A person’s emotional well-being can shift depending on where they are in their care process and how their body responds to treatment.

People with cancer are more likely to experience depression and anxiety than the general population 

Two of the most common mental health conditions in people with cancer are: 

• Depression-characterized by loss of interest and a lasting feeling of sadness.  A person with depression may have fatigue, trouble concentrating, difficulty sleeping, or irritability.
• Generalized Anxiety Disorder-characterized by intense feelings of restlessness, tension, uneasiness, or a constant sense of dread.  These symptoms are different from the occasional worry or fear. 

While the severity of symptoms can vary from person to person, there are common signs that could indicate that a person is experiencing one of these mental health conditions.  Left untreated, depression and anxiety can severely disrupt a person's day-to-day activities and reduce overall well-being.  However, with the right support, these challenges can be managed over time.  

Many factors contribute to the poor identification and treatment of mental health conditions

Stigma around mental health conditions can have a significant influence on whether a person receives the care they need.  Fear of judgment may prevent people from openly sharing about their mental health symptoms with family, friends, and providers.  

Additionally, in cancer care, a lack of routine screening and standardized testing to properly identify mental health conditions can make receiving the right mental health care difficult for people at different times while living with cancer. 

Even when a mental health condition has been identified, people living with cancer face barriers such as long wait times, high treatment costs, limited insurance coverage, or a lack of available providers and resources. These challenges make it even more important for blood cancer care teams to prioritize emotional well-being as part of a treatment plan.  

Addressing mental health challenges improves outcomes 

Recognizing these symptoms early can help individuals get the help they need sooner and have a positive impact on treatment outcomes. Patients who receive emotional support often experience better treatment adherence, improved quality of life, and reduced symptoms of depression and anxiety, which leads to better overall outcomes.

Mental health treatment is just as important as treating the physical aspects of blood cancer 

This month, and every month, HealthTree is committed to providing education, resources, and support to empower patients to seek care for both their bodies and minds.  

Many techniques can improve how a person feels and functions throughout cancer treatment. 

Explore practical tools and resources you can use to improve mental health:

• Managing Anxiety and Depression
• Four-Step Grounding Technique
• Mindful Movement and Meditation

You can read more about protecting your mental health by clicking the button below: 

Protecting Your Mental Health 

In addition to seeking care from a mental health professional, you can also find support through HealthTree’s Coach program, where you will be connected with an experienced patient or caregiver who can help you navigate your blood cancer diagnosis. 

Connect With A Coach

Help is always available 

If you or someone you know is having thoughts of self-harm or suicide, help is available. For immediate assistance, call the 988 suicide & Crisis Lifeline toll-free at 988 or 1-800-273-TALK (8255).  You can also text the Crisis Text Line (Hello to 741741) or message the Lifeline Chat on the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline Website.

Source: 

• Mental health needs in cancer – a call for change