Cancer is dynamic. So are the feelings and reactions that arise as you’re going through it. As you adjust to your treatment, it’s also important to address what you need from an emotional standpoint.

Awareness of your feelings and coping skills are the foundation of your emotional care plan. Coping skills are short-term solutions that help manage the emotions and practical needs that come with cancer-related distress.

What helps you cope most days may not work on days you don’t feel well. As your needs change, how you cope might also need to change. Ask yourself, “is this working for me now?” A sign of strength is the willingness to grow new skills!

Sailboats are built to navigate through the uncertainty of the weather, tides, land, and other obstacles. They’re resilient because they can adapt to forces outside their control. Sails can be pulled in or let out and the rudder changes direction.

Now, imagine yourself as a sailboat. Notice how your emotions shift when it is stormy or calm. You can shift your sails, invite others to join you, and change your direction using the rudder as you cope with unwanted illness. At times, you may need to experiment with different ways to steer the boat – different oceans require various navigation tactics.

[Image: Graphic of a sailboat with a compass labeled Mind, Body, Action, Allow.]

Iris defines four categories for “navigating” your cancer-related distress.

Mind: Skills for changing thoughts that impact mood

Body: Increasing attention and concrete action toward physical needs

Allow: Strategies for softening or acceptance toward an unwanted change

Action: Skills for problem solving, asking for help and doing something new

The Iris care team is here to support you in building an emotional care plan that’s specific to your situation. Schedule a visit to speak to one of our licensed mental health experts about the coping strategies that might work best for you.