Your Emotional Life

When a brain tumor is diagnosed, it can take away your sense of security and control.  This can be both unsettling and frightening.  Uncertainty is among the most challenging aspects of a brain tumor diagnosis that you will have to deal with on a day-to-day basis. The feeling that your body has taken an unexpected direction often leads to a rollercoaster of emotions.

 

You may find that you feel irritable, angry and scared all at once. Perhaps you will also experience a sense of isolation (“no one really understands”), withdrawal (“what’s the point”), resentful (“why ME?”) and depressed (“I’m just too tired to fight this”).

 

There will be days when you feel upbeat and positive and other days when you will feel that your world has caved in. Even with the best possible prognosis, you may be left wondering whether the tumor will return. This may lead you to begin examining other aspects of your personal and professional life.

 

There is no “right” way to behave or feel when you have been diagnosed with a brain tumor diagnosis. Dealing with changes to your appearance – such as losing your hair or losing weight , is difficult for most of us.

 

It’s important to recognize the emotional effects of a brain tumor and to find ways to cope.

 

It may help to know that it is completely normal to feel a range of emotions when your life suddenly changes. Some people find that just having a loved one to talk to when days are difficult is enough. Others need some extra professional help, perhaps a caring member of your health care team, a social worker or a clinical psychologist. Support groups and relaxation exercises may also be useful.

 

Please feel free to contact our trained health care professionals through our CareLine at -800-886-ABTA (2282) or browse our website for more suggestions on how to talk to your friends and family and how to deal with the emotional and physical challenges that may affect you before, during and after treatment.

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