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Many people on active monitoring report feeling anxious. Some people don’t like the thought of delaying treatment, whereas other are worried about the possibility of starting treatment in the future.
Talk to loved ones
If you have their support, try to talk to a family member or close friend about how you are feeling. Sharing your emotions this way can not only help you feel better, but it lets them know how they can best support you.
Find others in a similar position
It can be a big relief to find other people who are going through, or who have gone through, a similar situation. Sharing your experiences and worries may help you to feel less alone, and others might have advice to help you feel better. Find WMUK’s support groups and forums.
Practice mindfulness
Practises like mindfulness can help you learn techniques to help you deal with stress and anxiety. This can be even more helpful if you find you get particularly anxious at certain times, for example in the days leading up to your next check-up. Find WMUK’s next mindfulness session.
Speak to your healthcare team
Your healthcare team should be able to offer you advice and sign post you to services to help you cope.
Take someone with you to appointments
If you’re worried about your check-ups, taking someone trusted with you can help you feel less alone, and give you reassurance that you won’t miss anything. You can discuss your questions and concerns with the person in advance, so that if you forget anything they can prompt you.
Inform yourself
Some people find that learning about WM and the different treatments available helps them to deal with their anxiety, as it gives them a sense of control. You can find up to date information on our treatment pages.
Live healthily
Eating healthily and keeping active not only help you physically, but mentally too. An extra benefit of keeping healthy is that it can help your body withstand treatment if the time comes. You can find out more about living healthily here.
Take things day by day
It can be difficult to not dwell on the future, but some people reduce their anxiety by focussing on the here and now. Try to concentrate on what you’re able to do today, instead of what might happen in the months to come.
