The emotional impact of CLL
With CLL, your emotional wellbeing matters, too.
A diagnosis of CLL can raise a variety of emotional issues. This is
natural. And reducing the stress caused by these issues may help make life with
CLL more manageable.
Although it’s natural to have negative feelings when you’re coping with a CLL diagnosis,
it’s a good idea to find ways to maintain as positive an outlook as possible. Here
are some suggestions for doing that:
Talk to others: Turn to loved ones for support or talk to cancer
survivors and healthcare professionals who deal with cancer regularly.
Be involved: Research shows that good emotions can’t cure cancer.
But bad emotions don’t cause cancer either. The important thing is to
maintain a positive outlook and be motivated to take an active role in your healthcare.
Let go: Once every day, tell yourself, “Who cares?” If your house
is a mess, if you feel down, if you forget something important—let it go. No one
can do everything.
Stay in touch with your emotions: Whether you’re alone or having
a heart-to-heart with a close friend or loved one—if you cry, just cry. You may
very well feel better afterward. And don’t forget to hug those around you. The power
of touching another person can sometimes achieve what words can’t.
Try to have faith: If you were raised in a religion, consider whether
or not it can offer you comfort and insight into the challenges you’re facing. This
might be a good time to start attending prayer sessions, or speak with a priest,
minister, rabbi, imam, or other person of faith.
Treat yourself: Do something just for yourself, something that
will take your mind off your condition. It could be as simple as an afternoon movie,
or just taking a few hours to read.
Get suggestions for talking
to your doctor