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Have you noticed that when you’re not feeling well mentally, you often experience physical pain and symptoms? That’s because there’s a direct link between emotions and physical health—the brain sends signals to the body, so a bad mental state can have a huge impact on a person’s physical health.
We talked to the association of oncologists and chemotherapists Dr. Sigita Liutkauskiene and psychiatrist Leon Kačinskas about why the most common residual effect of oncological diseases is psycho-emotional and why a holistic approach is important. They believe that a stable emotional state can modify the course of the disease.
Don’t self-diagnose
No one patient is the same as another with the same diagnosis. Each is characterized by a different course of disease and side effects of treatment, depending on the type of treatment and the individual characteristics of the patient.
“General weakness, rapid fatigue, lack of energy, unexplained tiredness, sweating and weight changes are signs of dangerous processes going on in the body. These are physical symptoms common to all chronic diseases, but they alone are not enough to diagnose a disease.
I want to emphasize this, precisely because when any symptom appears, people look for the cause on the Internet and self-diagnose based on the information found on the Internet without conducting detailed research. In order to determine the exact cause of the symptoms, it is necessary to first consult a family doctor and then, possibly, another specialist,” says oncologist and chemotherapist S. Liutkauskienė.
Hide current diagnosis
Stress in daily life can lead to increased blood pressure, poor sleep quality, and even insomnia. In some cases, bowel movements can be disrupted due to perceived stress.
Psychiatrist L. Kačinskas firmly believes that mentally strong people are more likely to go down the path of illness. Therefore, mental health should not be relegated to a secondary position.
According to doctors, a person who is able to follow a daily routine based on a proper balance between physical and emotional health usually does not have these problems. Without this order, the body will not respond correctly to the environment.
According to psychiatrists, it’s the ability to manage yourself, in this case your emotions, which helps you stay healthy.
“Sometimes people find out they’re sick after getting tested. Sometimes they don’t tell their roommates because they don’t want to scare them or upset them. In this way, people try to distance themselves from the knowledge of the facts as much as possible.
Knowing the diagnosis means you will be able to identify the problem and apply the most effective way to solve it”, urges L. Kačinskas to seek help.
He not only shares his expertise, but also his personal experience, demonstrating how important mental health is. More than six years ago, L. Kačinskas was diagnosed with an oncological disease and received appropriate treatment. Knowing that his health problems were detected and addressed by professionals gives the psychiatrist confidence and assurance.
The right attitude is important
According to the World Health Organization, cancer is the second leading cause of death worldwide, with an estimated 20 million new cancer cases and 9.7 million deaths by 2022.
L. Kačinskas says that patients often hide their diagnosis from their family members because they are afraid to admit it to themselves. Photo from personal archive
Nevertheless, L. Kačinskas notes that there is a widespread social perception that oncological diseases are special. Experts say that the stigmatization of oncological diseases is wrong.
“A cold can also be a fatal disease. Severe sinusitis may lead to sepsis and even death. What matters is a person’s attitude towards life,” the interviewer taught.
Psychiatrists assure: it is necessary to develop a person’s ability to correctly perceive the situation.
“Often, instead of being happy that they’ve had treatment, a person is dreading tomorrow.
And ensured that he had very little time left to survive,” the psychiatrist said.
Therefore, the most common residual effects of tumor diseases are psycho-emotional. It can be anxiety about one’s future, manifested in fear of getting sick again, and anxiety about the future of children and other relatives. All of this can lead to more serious psychosomatic disorders, such as insomnia, depression, panic attacks, etc.
Physical symptoms are not a diagnosis of disease
When a malignant tumor spreads in the body, the greatest decline in physical and emotional health and strength occurs. However, S. Liutkauskienė assures that no single physical symptom can accurately diagnose a malignant tumor disease without detailed tests.
“Both psycho-emotional and physical recovery from the disease are ineffective if the patient himself is not willing to recover. In practice, there are invisible or unknown stimuli to physical and mental health that prevent patients from fully recovering from the disease”, emphasizes S. Liutkauskienė.
After the end of the course of treatment of oncological diseases, it is characterized by rapid fatigue, loss of concentration, memory problems, worsening of the condition of the teeth, numbness in the limbs or other late side effects of treatment.
Oncologists say that physical activity for patients recovering from oncological diseases should not be different from that of people who are not ill, unless some body systems are damaged. Physical fitness specialists should choose appropriate sports, taking into account important parameters.
“Oncology patients need intensive rehabilitation with the help of physical activities, physiotherapy or massage procedures. General physical recovery is impossible without psycho-emotional recovery.” The chemotherapist emphasizes the importance of mental health.
We forget to live for the day
Psychiatrist L. Kačinskas believes that a stable psychological state can change the course of the disease and has nothing to do with the age of the person. The most important thing is that a person should understand what comprehensive help and holistic approach he needs.
“It is human will to enjoy the day. Be happy to see the sun shining, enjoy conversations with loved ones and strangers, enjoy good food and quality rest. We don’t know how to enjoy the little things, and suddenly a small thing turns our life upside down. Don’t let this happen,” said a psychiatrist with thirty-eight years of experience.
In his opinion, people have incredible expectations of living to 100, but forget to live today as if there is no tomorrow.
“Physical health problems are usually temporary. It is necessary to stay active, engage in pleasant activities and enjoy life, because life goes on”, adds S. Liutkauskienė.
Those with oncological diseases are asked to contact the Patient Oncology Assistance Association (POLA) and consult their GP if they experience worrying symptoms.
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