Practicing relaxation techniques can help with stress from depression or while trying to stop smoking or drinking alcohol
This section focuses on helping you to relax using different meditation techniques. Meditation can relieve stress and help people sleep better. Practicing relaxation techniques can help with stress from depression or while trying to stop smoking or drinking alcohol. This page describes 4 different relaxation techniques. Try all of the different methods and then decide which one works the best for you. Or keep practicing a combination of them all.
An important part of feeling better comes from increasing pleasant activities
Pleasant activities can help you recover from both large and small stresses. By scheduling and participating in activities that you find enjoyable, you may find that you feel less depressed. Everyone has his or her own ideas about which activities are pleasant. It is important for you to think about the activities that are pleasant and enjoyable to YOU. They do not have to be expensive or time consuming! They can be as simple as going to the park, listening to a radio show, or reading the comics.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) can help with depression, smoking cessation, and decreasing alcohol use.
As we mentioned, using Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) can help with depression, smoking cessation, and decreasing alcohol use. The same techniques we reviewed in the previous sections on CBT can be helpful in addressing all three issues. Try using the Frame of Mind Chart (see below) for these issues as well. Remember the same ideas about twisted thinking and refraining your thoughts are very applicable here.
Evaluating your thoughts and ideas is the most important part of Cognitive behavior therapy (CBT)
Now that you understand the basic concept of CBT - that thoughts greatly influence your perceptions and moods - one of the first steps is to learn to recognize your automatic negative thoughts and ideas. Evaluating your thoughts and ideas is the most important part of CBT. Listed below are some common negative thoughts. Perhaps these are thoughts you have had. Perhaps you will identify other "downbeat" thoughts as you read over these examples.
It is very important to create and maintain good communication with your doctor/nurse. For your doctor/nurse to determine the best treatments for your cancer, he or she must know many things about you and your life. Expressing your fears and asking questions (even if you think it is a "stupid question") can result in the development of a treatment plan that will satisfy both of you.
Many doctors/nurses, and people receiving treatments, are on a tight schedule. One way to get more from your visit with your doctor/nurse is by taking "P.A.R.T".
Body image is the aspect of self-concept that focuses on our ideas about our physical appearance, how we compare ourselves to others, and how our bodies function or work
Receiving a diagnosis of cancer can seem overwhelming
Many thoughts rush through your mind. It is probably something you thought or wished you would never hear. You most likely felt a whole range of emotions: anger, hurt, pain, fear, and maybe even guilt. This chapter will discuss some issues that a diagnosis of cancer raises and suggest activities and ideas that might help you cope with your diagnosis of head and neck cancer.
Exploring the link between head & neck cancer and smoking, depression, and alcohol
Cancer is a group of more than 100 different diseases. Cancer occurs when cells become abnormal and divide without control or order. If cells divide in an uncontrolled manner, a mass or tumor develops.
Head and neck cancer can occur in a variety of places including the lips, tongue, mouth and larynx (vocal cords). Head and neck cancer occurs more often in males than females. The majority of people diagnosed with head and neck cancer are between the ages of 45 and 65.
MENU