Depression affects the whole person including physical well being, thoughts, and feelings. People who suffer from other medical illnesses such as head and neck cancer, are more likely to have symptoms of depression
Communication skills are very important in all aspects of your life
This section focuses on improving your communication skills. Many people find that their attempts to communicate with their loved ones do not always turn out as they would have liked. Listed below are problematic communication techniques. As you read over this list, see if you recognize any of these techniques in your communication style.
1. Not asking for what you want in a direct and straightforward way.
Practicing relaxation techniques can help with stress from depression or while trying to stop smoking or drinking alcohol
This section focuses on helping you to relax using different meditation techniques. Meditation can relieve stress and help people sleep better. Practicing relaxation techniques can help with stress from depression or while trying to stop smoking or drinking alcohol. This page describes 4 different relaxation techniques. Try all of the different methods and then decide which one works the best for you. Or keep practicing a combination of them all.
An important part of feeling better comes from increasing pleasant activities
Pleasant activities can help you recover from both large and small stresses. By scheduling and participating in activities that you find enjoyable, you may find that you feel less depressed. Everyone has his or her own ideas about which activities are pleasant. It is important for you to think about the activities that are pleasant and enjoyable to YOU. They do not have to be expensive or time consuming! They can be as simple as going to the park, listening to a radio show, or reading the comics.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) can help with depression, smoking cessation, and decreasing alcohol use.
As we mentioned, using Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) can help with depression, smoking cessation, and decreasing alcohol use. The same techniques we reviewed in the previous sections on CBT can be helpful in addressing all three issues. Try using the Frame of Mind Chart (see below) for these issues as well. Remember the same ideas about twisted thinking and refraining your thoughts are very applicable here.
Evaluating your thoughts and ideas is the most important part of Cognitive behavior therapy (CBT)
Now that you understand the basic concept of CBT - that thoughts greatly influence your perceptions and moods - one of the first steps is to learn to recognize your automatic negative thoughts and ideas. Evaluating your thoughts and ideas is the most important part of CBT. Listed below are some common negative thoughts. Perhaps these are thoughts you have had. Perhaps you will identify other "downbeat" thoughts as you read over these examples.
It is very important to create and maintain good communication with your doctor/nurse. For your doctor/nurse to determine the best treatments for your cancer, he or she must know many things about you and your life. Expressing your fears and asking questions (even if you think it is a "stupid question") can result in the development of a treatment plan that will satisfy both of you.
Many doctors/nurses, and people receiving treatments, are on a tight schedule. One way to get more from your visit with your doctor/nurse is by taking "P.A.R.T".
Body image is the aspect of self-concept that focuses on our ideas about our physical appearance, how we compare ourselves to others, and how our bodies function or work
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