This month is Brain Tumour and Ovarian Cancer month and we want to raise awareness of how these illnesses can have an affect on our mental wellbeing as well. As well as their families. People can go through a variety of emotions; sadness, anger, frightened, anxious and so on. 

It is totally ok to feel overwhelmed when you have been diagnosed with cancer or a brain tumour. It will just be as hard for the people around you. However, there are some ways that you can help with your wellbeing whilst going through the treatment. 

Here are some tips

  • Movement and exercise – It doesn’t need to be a run or playing a football match but going for a 10 minute walk may help you feel better. 
  • Fresh air – You can link this in with exercise and take a walk outside as well as walking to a near by bench for a change of scenery.  
  • Reward yourself 
  • Write down some nice things to read when you’re having a bad day

Not only does cancer or having a tumour have emotional effects but also can see physical effects. Such as loss in appetite which can result in a loss of weight or vise versa. Seeing such a big physical change can have an impact on your mental well-being as you have increased attention to that area of yourself. 

Here are some tips

  • Take your time adjusting to your body 
  • Focus on something else whilst going through your treatment 
  • Cut yourself some slack – You are going through something very difficult so don’t let this one thing get you down

If you are struggling emotionally with a Brain Tumour or Ovarian Cancer, here are some resources.  

  1. Living With A Brain Tumour
  2. Cancer Information and Support – Ovarian Cancer 

Lastly, when someone is going through a brain tumour or ovarian cancer, they may struggle socially as well. I know that at the moment everyone is in a position where we can’t meet people and have much of a social life. However, when lockdown and the pandemic is over, people with cancer and tumours can still be going through social side effects.

For example, not being able to meet up with friends and family because of treatment. As well as not being able to express how they are feeling to others.

Here are some charities you can support!

  1. The Brain Tumour Charity
  2. Brain Tumour Research
  3. Macmillan
  4. Ovarian Cancer Action

If you have any concerns about your health, please get in contact with your GP.

Overall, going through a brain tumour or ovarian cancer can be such a hard thing. There will be emotional and physical changes that people have to go through. It’s ok to feel down and upset.