This information is sourced from Dr Heather Wells, Clinical Psychologist
Anxiety is a natural response to stresses in our lives and is common in people living with a serious illness.
What is anxiety?
Anxiety is a feeling of worry or fear. It can be helpful in the short term by keeping us alert and ready to act in response to danger. However, if these feelings continue for a long time or are difficult to cope with, they can affect quality of life.
Common symptoms of anxiety
- restlessness and irritability
- feeling tired
- bowel discomfort
- breathlessness
- excessive worry
- not being able to concentrate
- muscle tension
- disturbed sleep
- a constant feeling of dread
Some people may have panic attacks, where they feel sudden, intense or overwhelming fear and discomfort, lasting up to 30 minutes. Panic attacks may cause strong physical symptoms such as: chest pain, dizziness, pounding heart, sweating or shaking.
What can make anxiety worse?
Worrying about the future when you are seriously ill is completely understandable. Other things that can add to these feelings include:
- Pain and other overwhelming symptoms
- End of active treatment for an illness, people may struggle to adjust when their treatment e.g. chemotherapy stops
- Being isolated from friends and family
- Family worries for example, worrying about being a burden or worry about dependants
- Financial worries/ Employment/ immigration status/ housing conditions
- Spiritual distress
Managing anxiety
Talking to someone you trust. Many worries can be addressed with the right support.
Here are some approaches that people may find helpful:
- Every Mind Matters offer practical tips for anxiety management
- Breathing exercises are often a helpful way to manage the symptoms of anxiety
- Practical help is important for example with finances
- Symptom management, such as pain control
- Spiritual care - talking about what gives life meaning and brings comfort
- Reading books: Free yourself from Death Anxiety. A CBT Self-Help Guide for a Fear of Death and Dying. Menzies and Veale 2022
- Some people may need additional care and should speak to their palliative care providers or GP to consider medication and/or a referral to their local Talking Therapies Service (IAPT)
This 2 minute video from Every Mind Matters demonstrates a mindful breathing exercise