Despite the fact that my son was diagnosed with cancer almost two months ago, I constantly think about his cancer and feel down much of the time. What should I do? Would counseling help?
Despite using adaptive coping skills, many people still find that further guidance is helpful. A good place to start finding help is the medical team (e.g., the doctor, nurse, social worker, or chaplain). For patients them-selves, pain and other physical symptoms may be alleviated, making them feel less down or preoccupied. Family members may also respond with distress if their loved one is suffering. Even if physical symptoms are not a cause, people may feel better after a conversation about their thoughts and feelings, particularly because feeling depressed and anxious is common among family members. You may feel relieved to know that others have experienced similar feelings.
However, if you still feel that you would like further help managing your thoughts and feelings or if you think you may be suffering from more serious forms of depression or anxiety, you may want to explore additional methods of getting support. Many places provide support and counseling. Meet with your hospital social worker or contact your local chapter of the American Cancer Society to point you in the right direction. If your insurance company covers counseling, review their list of mental health professionals to find an appropriate professional to help.
Many people find that counseling (or psychotherapy) helps them to deal with the emotional aspects of having a cancer diagnosis in the family. Professionals are trained to help people feel their best, both psychologically and emotionally. The following is a brief list of the most common mental health professionals. Licensed clinical social workers (commonly CSW or LCSW): Trained clinicians, usually with at least a master’s degree (MSW, MSSW, DSW, PhD) and additional training or expertise in their specialty.
Clinical social workers practice in a variety of settings, including hospitals, counseling or mental health centers, and private practice. Depending on their expertise, they are able to diagnose and treat psychological problems using counseling. They are also trained in more general counseling to help patients and family members through difficult time periods, with or with-out an exact psychological diagnosis.
Psychologists: Usually have a PhD or a PsyD. Psychologists can also diagnose and treat psychological issues and are usually trained in a specific theory of therapy (e.g., psychodynamic, cognitive/behavioral). Ask a psychologist you are considering as a prospective therapist to explain his or her theoretical orientation and how it may help. Neither psychologists nor social workers can prescribe medications, but they can refer you to a medical doctor (e.g., a primary physician or a psychiatrist), who can evaluate the need for medications to treat depression, anxiety, or other mental health problems.
Psychiatrists: Medical doctors (MDs) who specialize in diagnosing and treating psychiatric disorders by prescribing medications and/or providing psychotherapy. Their area of expertise is determining the possible physiological bases of mental disorders.
Other mental health professionals: Psychiatric nurses, master’s-level counselors, pastoral counselors, alternative/ complementary medicine practitioners, and other mental health professionals can also provide certain types of counseling and anxiety-reduction techniques. As with choosing any professional, be sure to investigate their qualifications and experience and how their expertise meshes with your needs.
Important Note: If you are thinking about harming yourself or another person, or if you have plans to attempt suicide, call 911.
Questions to ask a mental health professional:
1. What is your training, and are you licensed to practice in this state?
2. Do you have experience helping people with cancer or family members of people with cancer?
3. What do you charge? Do you accept our insurance policy?
4. How often and where can I be seen (e.g., in a private office, in the hospital)?
5. What do I do about an after-hours emergency? Whom should we call?
6. Do you specialize in family counseling?