Today is World Mental Health Day
Friday 9 October 2020
Living with bowel cancer can be a rollercoaster at times, and this can take a toll on your mental health. Not only for patients, but for your loved ones too.
It's been a very difficult year and coronavirus continues to affect our lives. Many of us share the same anxieties about the future, and those who already live with a mental health problem could be facing additional challenges too.
We have a range of information on our website that talks about the variety of ways you can look after your emotional wellbeing:
- our support and information on emotional wellbeing is here for you and your loved ones. Read our tips on how to manage fear, anxiety and depression, how to develop good sleeping habits as well as coping with a diagnosis
- our Living well booklet describes some of the feelings you might be having after you finish treatment, as well as where you and your loved ones can find support
- listen to our podcast where BBC's George Alagiah interviews Greig Trout along with Professor Claire Foster about looking after your own emotional health
- read top tips from our community on what they're doing to stay mentally and physically active during these difficult times
- contact our nurses with any questions or concerns you have about your mental health
- research suggests that what we eat may affect not just our physical health, but also our mental health and wellbeing. Our Eating well booklet provides information about your diet during and after bowel cancer treatment
- read our blog from our supporters affected by bowel cancer about what they’re doing to keep themselves safe from infections and how they’re keeping positive during the pandemic
- visit our online community for people affected by the disease. It's a welcoming place to ask questions, read about people's experiences and support each other
- read our Real Life Stories of people affected by bowel cancer
If you're worried about your mental health, please contact your GP for expert help and support. Charities such as Mind can also provide information and advice about your mental wellbeing.
