It’s easy to feel alone when COVID-19 has driven us all to spend much less time out and about. These long stretches of time without leaving home or seeing loved ones can be stressful for anyone, but can be even more mentally taxing for people with cancer. Since it’s still unclear as to when we will be able to safely spend time with one another, it’s important to consider how social isolation can affect our mental health. The good news is, there exists a wide range of information and support for when you’re feeling down.
Below you will find information about how the pandemic can affect the mental health of people with breast cancer, resources for coping with negative feelings and social isolation, and ways to safely stay connected.
Effects of COVID on Mental Health
- The COVID-19 Outbreak Could Have an Adverse Impact on the Psychological Health of Women with Breast Cancer Birkbeck at the University of London summarizes the results of their study which investigated the effects of treatment disruption on the mental health of people with breast cancer.
- ‘It really has changed everything’: COVID-19 a double-whammy for cancer patients The Columbus Dispatch describes the mental health journey of one woman with metastatic breast cancer during COVID-19.
Resources and Support
- Tips for Coping With Anxiety and Isolation Breastcancer.org put together their best advice from the community on how to stay positive while social distancing.
- Mental Health and COVID-19 Information and Resources Mental Health America released a wealth of tips and tricks on how to maintain wellness during the pandemic.
- 5 Ways To Make Social Distancing Not Suck Rethink Breast Cancer suggests ways to keep your mind and body busy when you feel socially isolated.
Ways to Connect
- Staying Connected While Practicing Social Distancing The University of Maryland Medical System outlines the many ways people can be social, even when social distancing.
For additional related COVID-19 & Cancer information, visit COVID-19 & Cancer
Last Modified on December 2, 2020
