Support makes it easier to develop qualities you need to deal with stress. For example, it can help you develop more active coping skills.
A strong support network can reduce the effects of stress in several ways:
- It can help you see an event as less stressful. That will lessen your body’s response to it.
- It can improve how you cope by providing advice, problem solving techniques and resources for help when you need it.
- It can help enhance positive health behaviors such as exercise and proper nutrition.
- It can provide support that makes it easier to adhere to your medical treatment plan.
A number of recent studies have shown that, in addition to a support network, there are potential benefits from programs that help you learn how to manage stress.
Such programs include:
- Cognitive behavioral therapy
- “Mindfulness”
- Yoga
- Alternative therapies such as Healing Touch
- Medication
Such programs can not only help deal with the stress that comes from having cancer, but the stress that can come from treatments such as chemotherapy and radiation.