Effects of Terminal Cancer

Psychology
Student’s Name
Institutional Affiliation
Date
Effects of the terminal illness
After being diagnosed with terminal cancer the individual loses their ability to become independent and at times think positively. Additionally, their energy levels drop and various activities that were initially the source of a fulfilling life becomes impossible. The terminally ill person suffers significantly from anxiety (Bor, Eriksen & Stapelkamp, 2010). While undergoing treatment, the terminally ill patient may suffer severe mental trauma which destabilizes the quality of life of the patient and their ability to follow through with their cancer treatment. Anxiety is also associated with elevated levels of depression, pain, and insomnia which are all negative implications of a terminal illness.
Most difficult aspects of the illness
The most changing aspect would be the manner the patient copes with the terminal disease after diagnosis. Additionally, without adequate support from family members and friends, the individual finds it difficult to effectively cope with the stress involved in their diagnosis (Carr & Steel, 2012). Another challenging aspect here is associated with the manner that family members openly express their thoughts and feelings to the patient. This only leads to misunderstanding and confusion concerning the proper treatment plan that would be essential for the recovery of the terminally ill patient. In numerous instances, a lack of social support may lead to the terminally ill patient having a greater desire to end their life and a higher risk of committing suicide.
Best ways of handling the illness
The terminal ill patient must try psychotherapy whereby the psychotherapist would be significant to patients in coping with their condition. Through proper guidance from a competent psyc...