How do I cope as a patient?

• Talk about your feelings. If you keep your emotions to yourself, you might start to worry and become anxious and scared and these are not healthy  emotions for any child or teenager to be feeling. You might need help. Using creative outlets like drawing, writing, music, or playing can help you  express feelings that are hard to put into words. Ask questions, because if you understand what is happening to you and what to expect, you might  feel less scared, anxious or worried.  
• When in hospital, you might want a familiar item (a favourite blanket, toy, or book a family photo) to make the hospital feel more like home and  to bring you comfort. If there is a hospital school, ward volunteers to do activities, a play group or a play therapist, take part in the activities as  these will bring feelings of normality to an abnormal world. Play games, build puzzles, watch movies, use apps on your telephone, iPad or tablet  to stimulate your creative mind, to help pass time and take your mind your off treatment. Make friends with the other patients in the ward – remember they are in the same position as you are.  
• Listening to or creating music can help you to relax, improve mood, and foster creativity. Music therapy has been used effectively to reduce  stress and anxiety in children undergoing cancer treatment. 
• Celebrate small wins for e.g. finishing a round of medicine, going home for the weekend, or even just getting through a tough day. 
• Sleep helps healing - rest when you need to. The treatment can make you very tired, and that’s normal.  
• Your appetite might change due to the treatment, but it is important to eat as healthy a diet as you can, although it might be difficult sometimes.  Good food choices help your body to get healthy and strong.  
• Stay connected. In some countries, children can link up with their teacher and classmates through video calls. If this is not available, use phone  calls or messages to stay connected with friends and family to remind you that you’re not alone.

Read More:

• Aimee K Hildebrand, et.al. 2015. A mixed methods assessment of coping with pediatric cancer.   
  https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3929263/?utm_source
• Geralyn Dexter. Reviewed by Melissa Bronstein, LICSW. 2024. The Benefits of Art Therapy. https://www.verywellhealth.com/art-therapy 5212229?utm_source 
• Children’s Health. (n.d.). Tips to cope with a childhood cancer diagnosis. https://www.childrens.com/health-wellness/tips-to-cope-with-a childhood-cancer-diagnosis?utm_source 
• Davina Tiwari, Reviewed by Dena Wesphalen. 2023. Coping With Cancer: 15 Strategies for Emotional Wellbeing.  https://www.choosingtherapy.com/coping-with-cancer/?utm_source 
• Michael Vallejo. 2024. (n.d.). 10 Printable Coping Skills Worksheets for Kids & Teens. https://mentalhealthcenterkids.com/blogs/articles/coping skills-worksheets?utm_source 
• Krista H Counseling. 2021. 75 Coping Skills for Kids (FREE Printable). https://kristahcounseling.com/2021/11/10/75-coping-skills-for-kids-free printable/?utm_source 
• CHOC. 2022. Coping with a child’s cancer diagnosis: helpful techniques for parents, kids and siblings. https://health.choc.org/coping-with-a childs-cancer-diagnosis-helpful-techniques-for-parents-kids-and-siblings/