If you have recently been diagnosed with a serious illness like heart disease or cancer, it is completely normal to feel anxious. Many of you might have experienced anxiety in the form of panic attacks, fear, and guilt as you grapple with the notion of challenges associated with treatment and treatment-related side effects, the possibility of death, and thoughts of becoming dependent on others.

 

What Is Post-Diagnosis Anxiety?

Post-diagnosis anxiety can be described as a feeling of nervousness and tension that alerts your body to respond to what’s about to come. You can experience post-diagnosis anxiety as acute or chronic anxiety.

Acute anxiety occurs for a short period and ends quickly. But chronic anxiety lingers for an extended period, interfering with your daily life and ability to make choices [1]. 

 

Symptoms Of Post-Diagnosis Anxiety:

If you have a serious illness, you might find anxiety symptoms confusing because illness-related treatments and medications may also produce similar symptoms. Speak to your healthcare provider if you experience the following symptoms:

 

Acute Anxiety:

• Feeling suffocated

• Heart palpitations

• Sweating and chills

•  Feeling detached from yourself and others

•  Feeling intense fear and worried thoughts

• Shortness of breath

• Dizziness

• High blood pressure

• Trembling

• Changes in appetite

• Heartburn, diarrhea, nausea

• Chest pain

 

Chronic Anxiety:

• Restlessness

• Insomnia

• Fatigue

• Indecision

• Excessive worrying

• Suicidal thoughts

• Irritability

• Muscle tension

 

Suicidal thoughts are often associated with depression, but many studies have validated the association between anxiety and suicidal thoughts. As today is World Suicide Prevention Day, it is relevant to discuss that patients with anxiety are more likely to have suicidal ideations and attempted suicides [2]. 

 

Screening For Anxiety:

Screening for anxiety has been recommended at the time of a disease diagnosis and during treatments. Your symptoms of anxiety and how often you have them will decide the treatment for anxiety.

You can discuss your anxiety with your healthcare provider so that they can create a treatment plan for you. You can discuss:

• Physical symptoms of anxiety

• How anxiety is affecting your daily life

• Specific sources of fear

• Your feelings

 

Treatment Types For Post-Diagnosis Anxiety:

There are different treatment options that can help you cope with anxiety:

 

1. Medications: Medications are usually prescribed for moderate to severe anxiety symptoms. Your doctor can decide the best medications for you based on:

• Your medical history

• Potential side effects

• Other medications you’re taking. 

2. Psychological Treatment: Mental health professionals can help you deal with anxiety by improving your coping skills, reshaping your negative thoughts, developing a support system, and providing therapy.

3. Relaxation Techniques: Several relaxation techniques can be used along with other treatment options to cope with anxiety. They include yoga, meditation, guided imagery, deep breathing, biofeedback, and hypnosis [3].

 

The Bottom Line:

Dealing with post-diagnosis anxiety can be overwhelming, but once you get on top of anxiety, you can focus on your wellbeing, improve your ability to function well, and rediscover normality. Make time to talk to your family, overcome your fears, and be kind to yourself. 

 

 

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References: 

1. Anxiety | Cancer.Net 2019. https://www.cancer.net/coping-with-cancer/managing-emotions/anxiety

2. Kanwar A, Malik S, Prokop LJ, Sim LA, Feldstein D, Wang Z, et al. THE ASSOCIATION BETWEEN ANXIETY DISORDERS AND SUICIDAL BEHAVIORS: A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW AND META-ANALYSIS. Depress Anxiety 2013;30:917–29. https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1002/da.22074.

3. Petrovic N. Post-diagnosis anxiety and how to deal with it 2015. https://www.bupa.com.au/healthlink/conditions-and-treatments/treatment-and-surgery/recovery/managing-an-illness/how-to-deal-with-anxiety-after-being-diagnosed-with-an-illness

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