Anxiety in Mesothelioma Patients and Their Families

Anxiety is a natural and common emotion. Being anxious entails feeling worried, nervous, or on edge. Most people experience these feelings. Anxiety is a product of our body responding to threats or harm. Mesothelioma patients or family members of mesothelioma patients may experience more anxiety than other people. If you or a loved one was diagnosed with mesothelioma and you are feeling anxious, you may need support. In this article, we discuss the types of anxiety and share some general tips for coping with anxiety.

Types of Anxiety

There are two ways that mesothelioma patients or their families can experience anxiety. Generally, anxiety can either be acute or chronic. Acute anxiety is when someone experiences sudden and intense but brief periods of anxiety. An example is when someone gets a panic attack. On the other hand, chronic anxiety is when symptoms of anxiety return frequently or do not go away over time. Chronic anxiety can also include multiple instances of acute anxiety.

The following are some of the symptoms of acute anxiety;

• Intense feeling of fear
• Rapid heartbeat
• Chest pain
• High blood pressure
• Sweating
• Feeling detached from surroundings or self
• Feeling suffocated
• Shortness of breath

Symptoms of chronic anxiety include, but are not limited to, the following;

• Excessive worrying
• Insomnia
• Restlessness
• Muscle tension
• Fatigue
• Irritability
• Indecision
• Difficulty concentrating

It is crucial to reach out to a doctor or healthcare professional when experiencing anxiety symptoms. It is also important to note that sometimes, anxiety symptoms may be related to mesothelioma or treatments.

Tips for Coping With Anxiety

It is crucial for mesothelioma patients and their families to be equipped with knowledge about how they can cope with anxiety. The following are some coping techniques that may be beneficial when dealing with acute anxiety;

• Breathing: Repeating a few simple breaths in a pattern can help you regain control. An example of a breathing technique recommended by therapists is the 4-7-8 method. This technique entails inhaling to a count of four, holding your breath to a count of seven, and exhaling to a count of eight.
• Mindfulness meditation: This is a type of meditation in which you focus on being aware of what you are feeling and sensing in the moment without judgment or interpretation.
• Aromatherapy: This entails using the senses as a distraction.
• Visualization: For example, you can picture a serene area and focus on the details.

When it comes to coping with chronic anxiety, the following are some techniques that may be helpful;

• Seeking professional help: Seeking help from a professional such as a therapist or psychologist can help you cope with chronic anxiety.
• Exercising regularly: Engaging in regular exercise can improve your mood.
• Taking medication: A healthcare provider can prescribe medication that can help you deal with chronic anxiety.
• Joining a support group: Sharing your feelings with others can provide emotional support.
• Journaling: Journaling can serve as an outlet.

Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for informational purposes only and should not be taken as professional or medical advice. Also, the tips in this article are based on general knowledge and may not be suitable for everyone. Nationwide Mesothelioma Lawyers

If you or a loved one were diagnosed with mesothelioma, contact our office to speak to one of our experienced nationwide mesothelioma attorneys about your situation. Our office can help investigate your case and determine if compensation can be sought from negligent parties to help pay for your medical treatment to help you and your family live a more comfortable life.