Optimism is Optional

It seems that everywhere we look lately, someone is linking positive attitude to good health or quicker recovery from physical ailments. It's on daytime t.v., it's in women's magazines, it's in blogs we read... people we don't even know are telling us to "cheer up!" to keep ourselves healthy.

When a person is diagnosed with cancer, there are always a handful of people who don't know what else to do except to encourage that person to remain hopeful and to be positive about a good outcome. But the fact is that there are some very real fears and difficulties associated with their disease, and it really is okay for those people who are dealing with it to be angry and scared and even have days when they would rather stay in bed than do almost anything else.

It goes without saying that if you have to sit in a doctor's office and hear the words "It's cancer." there isn't a lot of cheer to be found. Or, at the very least - what's available doesn't seem like it's enough to do the job that will be required as you go through your treatment and recovery plan. In fact, some recent studies state that there is no tangible connection between positive thinking and better recovery and longer life when cancer is added to their daily routines. So, what do we do with that information?

First, let us suggest that the mere act of going to the doctor to investigate the symptoms that have led to the cancer diagnosis as an outward sign that there is, somewhere inside us, a tiny nugget of hope and optimism. Otherwise - why get diagnosed at all? And while a simple "positive attitude" may not cure the disease (did we really believe it would??), remaining realistic but determined and hopeful can certainly cause a cancer patient to take steps that will provide a better opportunity for recovery than feeling defeated and hopeless. Altering diet, getting more exercise as appropriate and with a doctor's approval, and having access to much-needed emotional support can all affect the ability of a cancer patient to get through treatment successfully and start making plans for the remainder of their life.

The social workers at Hope Cancer Resources are trained specifically to work with oncology patients and the special burden of emotions and needs they experience during diagnosis, treatment and recovery. They work with patients individually if requested, or with their caregivers or partners, and we even host a support group for families with young children a couple of times a year.
 
We have a great list of support groups available in Northwest Arkansas on our website. We don't recommend the groups just because they're available, but because we truly believe that having a strong support system behind you as you go through treatment (and afterward) is beneficial for your mental health. Odds are, you will find a lot of people talking about being positive and keeping their chin up in these groups, but you will also find some folks who share your fears and frustrations. At the very least, you will meet some people to talk to when you feel you've said all you can say to your friends and family and they've said all they can say to you. Talking to our social workers or participating in a support group won't heal your body, but they might help you deal with some of your less positive feelings - which will go a long way to ease the rough spots along the cancer journey.