Understandably, a significant number of people with cancer, their carers or families, experience anxiety or depression at some time during their cancer journey.

If you are one of these, you may find it helpful to discuss your needs with your local GP. Alternatively, you may find it useful to explore your feelings with a professional who can help you understand these feelings and find ways to channel them constructively. This may be a counsellor or psychologist, according to your needs.

In the Personal Support category you will also find listings of Cancer Support Groups and Phone Support Lines which can be of help at such times.

Finally, you may feel that you just need some time out, the sort of quality time you have on a retreat, either on your own or with your family. It is possible to arrange retreats, some with a financial subsidy.

Above all, become aware of the signs of distress and seek help early in your treatment if things are becoming challenging.

You will find information about funding assistance in the Financial subcategory.

Emotional Wellbeing is grouped into the following sub-categories:

• Counselling
• Genetic Counselling
• Psychology
• Retreats

Counselling

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Genetic Counselling

About five to 10 per cent of cancers are hereditary. The link is strongest for breast, bowel and stomach cancers.

In some cases people touched by cancer would like to seek genetic testing. There are many important medical, ethical, social and legal issues to be considered before having genetic testing. These can all be discussed with a genetic counsellor [a scientist specially trained to explain inherited conditions and genetic testing] who will discuss limitations as well as potential benefits. This counselling continues beyond any actual testing .

There are eligibility criteria for visiting a genetic counsellor, discuss this with your GP or Specialist Cancer Nurse.

For further information on genetic links in cancer refer to Better Health Channel's Cancer and Hereditary

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Psychology

People dealing with cancer may experience quite severe problems such as clinical anxiety, depression or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). This may require specialised psychological treatment.

Additionally, living with cancer can pose specific problems that have a strong psychological impact, including body image and sexuality problems, interpersonal difficulties, and anxiety, fear or concerns related to survival and recurrence.

The most appropriate psychological therapy will depend on the patient, on the issues at hand and the training and skills of the therapist.

Psychological therapies may be delivered individually, or via a group or family model and may be face-to-face or remote.

While some people will be more comfortable with the privacy of individual counselling, others will benefit from group counselling where they can gain from sharing the commonality of their experience.

Medicare now supports visits to psychologists under certain circumstances. Discuss your needs with your GP who will be able to provide a referral.

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Retreats

When touched by cancer, people often need to remove themselves from their everyday life and seek inner support in a different environment. There are retreats available, some specifically for people touched by cancer.

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