Imagine fighting a fierce battle, winning against all odds, only to find yourself facing another fight you can’t see. That’s the reality for many childhood cancer survivors. They’ve conquered a terrible disease, but the scars often run deeper than the skin. This “invisible battle” is about mental health challenges they might face and Psychiatrists in Patna are fighting for it.

Here’s the thing: going through cancer treatment is tough. It’s scary, lonely, and can turn your world upside down. It’s normal to feel anxious, sad, or even angry after such an experience. But sometimes, these feelings don’t go away easily. They can turn into bigger problems like depression, anxiety disorders, or even PTSD.

That’s why it’s important to understand what these survivors might be going through. Here are some key things to remember:

Understanding their Feelings

Empathy is hard when you have never been in the same situation but it is important to empathize with their feelings just to let them know that they are not alone.

It can be hard to understand what and how they feel about even the smallest things happening around them, but with a little patience and love, you can win their trust.

Here are some feelings that they might be stressing them

Fear and Anxiety:

• Fear of recurrence: The constant worry that the cancer might return can be overwhelming.
• Fear of death: Even after winning the battle, the brush with mortality can leave fear lingering.
• Anxiety about their health: They might be hypervigilant of any unusual feeling or symptom.
• Social anxiety: Treatment can make them miss out on social interactions, leading to anxiety in social situations.

Emotional Challenges:

• Depression: Feeling sad, hopeless, and unmotivated can be common after such an ordeal.
• Anger and resentment: It’s natural to feel angry at the disease, treatments, or even themselves.
• Guilt: Some survivors might feel guilty for being alive when others weren’t as fortunate.
• Difficulty expressing emotions: They might struggle to find words for their complex emotions.

Physical Changes:

• Body image issues: Treatment can leave scars, hair loss, or other physical changes that can cause insecurity.
• Late effects of treatment: Long-term health problems like fatigue, pain, or fertility issues can add stress.
• Difficulty with normal activities: Treatment can impact physical abilities, leading to frustration and anxiety.

Social and Academic Impact:

• Feeling different from peers: Missing school or social events due to treatment can create a sense of isolation.
• Difficulty keeping up in school: Treatment can cause learning delays or cognitive challenges.
• Feeling misunderstood by friends and family: They might feel like others can’t truly understand their experience.

By being aware of these potential stressors and offering gentle support, we can create a safe space for childhood cancer survivors to share their feelings and begin to heal.

How to Help Them Out

Even if you understand their feeling and make them feel that you are with them, the dreadful experience that they might have faced during the disease has left a serious impact which is hard to remove completely.

However, you will have to try until it goes completely. So, how can we help these fighters win the invisible battle? Here are some ways:

Beyond Validation:

• Move beyond simple “I understand”: While acknowledging their struggle, avoid phrases like “I understand how you feel” unless you’ve shared a similar experience. Instead, offer empathetic statements like “That sounds incredibly difficult” or “I can’t imagine what you’ve been through.”
• Focus on shared humanity: Show genuine care and concern, emphasizing shared human experiences like resilience, courage, and hope

Building Trust and Safe Space:

• Respect their boundaries: Don’t pry or pressure them to talk about things they’re not ready for. Listen patiently and actively when they choose to share.
• Create a safe space: Let them know that they can confide in you without judgment or criticism. This fosters trust and encourages open communication

Empowering through Action:

• Help them identify coping mechanisms: Explore healthy ways to manage stress, like mindfulness exercises, creative outlets, or physical activity. Encourage them to find what works best for them.
• Connect them with support: Help them find individual therapy, support groups, or online communities with survivors who understand their unique struggles.
• Advocate for their needs: If they face challenges at school, work, or healthcare settings, help them advocate for accommodations or resources they need.

Supporting their Journey:

• Celebrate their victories: Acknowledge every step forward, no matter how small. Celebrate milestones in their recovery and personal growth.
• Be patient and consistent: Healing takes time. Offer unwavering support and be a constant source of encouragement, even when progress seems slow.
• Educate yourself: Keep learning about the specific challenges faced by childhood cancer survivors. This knowledge allows you to offer more informed and impactful support.

Remember, while we can’t erase their traumas, we can be a source of strength and guidance on their journey toward healing. By offering genuine empathy, practical support, and a listening ear, we can help them navigate the invisible battle and build a brighter future.

Conclusion

Remember, even though the battle might be invisible, the support we offer can make all the difference. By being there for them and helping them access the resources they need, we can empower these courageous survivors to heal not just physically, but emotionally as well.

Moreover, in these critical situations getting expert help is not only necessary for physical health but mental health also. There are many hospitals that provide expert mental health care. If you are searching for a Psychiatrist in Patna, then you can go for Rajeshwar one of the Best hospitals in Patna which is leading its way in the psychological health sector. You can even book online counseling to get expert advice and medications.