National Month Of Hope: Keep Your Smile During Difficult Times

National Month of Hope, originally formed in 1989 by the American Cancer Society, was primarily created to raise awareness, practice enduring empowerment, and offer support for those with cancer. Communities across the world can come together in April to celebrate this event every year, spreading joy, positivity, and hope for cancer patients. Today, research suggests that hope usually improves overall well-being for individuals of all ages. People with cancer can benefit from maintaining hope during difficult times, enhancing their own well-being and creating a positive environment for those around them. National Month of Hope can be an opportunity for those affected by cancer, as well as their family, friends, and loved ones, to find solidarity during difficult times and to practice bringing hope into their lives during those tough times. For professional support in coping with your or a loved one’s diagnosis, consider online or in-person therapy.

Understanding the role of hope in the cancer journey

Being diagnosed with cancer can be a difficult time for patients and their loved ones, and it often brings up many difficult emotions or even sparks an emotional crisis. In general, nobody wants to face even the idea of this diagnosis - mothers and fathers might worry for their children, professionals might feel hopeless at the prospect of having to give up careers they love, some people may have had family members lost to the disease- and it can be natural to feel confused, afraid, angry, or depressed. However, consciously choosing to have hope during your cancer journey can be empowering, curbing some of these negative emotions and creating an atmosphere of kindness and compassion. 

Self-compassion can be an uplifting emotion to cultivate in everyday life, and it can enable you to face confusing times with clarity and grace. For people with cancer, self-compassion tends to be related to better psychological outcomes. If you have self-compassion during times of hardship, you may also encourage others to approach their lives with compassion, spreading kindness in your community.

Hope, awareness, and altruism in those living with cancer

National Month of Hope can serve as an opportunity for cancer patients to consciously choose hope, develop self-compassion, and promote kind-heartedness. However, it can also be an opportunity for communities to come together and learn about cancer, as well as discover their roles in supporting preventative cancer research and people with cancer. 

Overall, National Month of Hope is a month for cancer awareness and a powerful movement in which many may raise awareness for various cancer concerns that deserve support. It can be possible to raise cancer awareness in local communities by donating to current research in cancer prevention, supporting cancer patients in local hospitals, or volunteering at understaffed clinics.

This month of awareness and hope campaign can also be a reminder to spread kindness and compassion in our communities. Difficult times can unify friends, families, and communities and remind us of our humanity. 

Sometimes, we can get caught up in everyday affairs and forget to take care of ourselves and our loved ones. This hope national month can remind us to slow down, take care of our loved ones, and promote kindness when possible. By offering a hand to those in need, we can uplift ourselves and those around us. 

Altruistic behavior can be a great way to give back to the community, empowering you to do something worthwhile for the wider community. 

The benefits of having hope

Hope can promote self-compassion and kindness, especially during difficult times. Here, we’ll look at other ways that hope can benefit everyday life.

Benefits physical health

Research suggests that being hopeful influences overall physical health. It may also impact the way people experience illness. Having an optimistic outlook on life, even during difficult times, can improve overall health outcomes through lower stress levels and better cardiovascular health. 

Combats burnout

Hope and compassion can be beneficial for health professionals, especially if they are struggling with burnout. Maintaining an optimistic outlook can enable professionals to stay present, focused, and compassionate so that they can provide patients with cancer the care they deserve.

Improves relationships

Maintaining hope can foster relationships and social connections by creating a positive environment. People may be more willing to form and maintain social bonds if they believe the relationship supports their mental health.

Encourages compassion

Hope can encourage altruism and compassion. If somebody hopes for a better future, they may be more inclined to act in altruistic ways to achieve it. This can be helpful if an individual wants to provide hope for patients living with cancer.

How to spread hope and get involved in your community

Living with cancer can lead to a variety of challenges for cancer patients, as well as their family members, friends, and loved ones. From managing the side effects of treatment to coping with emotional distress, it can be a difficult time, both emotionally and physically. Maybe some of these ideas can help you find a way to spread hope during this year’s National Month of Hope.

Advocacy

Individuals with cancer may face challenges related to obtaining quality healthcare, and by educating yourself on the topic, you can raise awareness in your community and advocate for political and social changes. For example, you might promote policies that provide quality care and support for cancer patients. By speaking out about your own experiences or supporting organizations dedicated to cancer advocacy, you can support those affected by cancer and create positive change in your community.

Participation

Getting involved in fundraising events, awareness campaigns, and offering your support in volunteer initiatives can all be ways to make a difference. Whether it’s running for a cause, hosting a party to spread hope, or volunteering your time at a local cancer center, every effort may count in spreading awareness, raising funds for research, and supporting individuals and families affected by cancer.

Support

There may be many initiatives and organizations that work toward creating hope for cancer patients and their loved ones. The resources below typically offer compassion, support, and encouragement to individuals affected by cancer. 

Cancer support groups

These groups usually enable you to spend time with other people who may have faced similar challenges, giving you clarity, insight, encouragement, and self-compassion during difficult times. The sense of community that cancer support groups provide can also offer emotional support.

Survivorship programs

Many hospitals and cancer centers offer survivorship programs that provide resources, education, and support for individuals facing a variety of challenges during cancer.

Online resources

Look for websites, blogs, and social media platforms that support and raise awareness for cancer. You may be able to connect with other individuals who have experienced cancer, spread inspirational stories, and find hope.

Ways to celebrate national month of hope year-round during difficult times

It can be important to create joyful experiences, spend quality time with loved ones, and celebrate life with gratitude and reverence, especially during difficult times. Below are a few lighthearted ways to celebrate.

Create a gratitude journal

Whether it’s appreciating your fluffy socks, a bouquet of flowers, or the kind smile of a stranger, enjoying the small things can be a great way to show gratitude for life.

Spend time outdoors

Sitting under a tree, walking through the local park, or getting a breath of fresh air each day can all be ways to spend time outdoors, which can be a great way to rejuvenate and refresh yourself.

Explore your interests

Trying something new can be a great way to keep yourself full of life. You might attempt a crossword puzzle, knit a scarf, or bake a cake, for instance.

Connect with loved ones

Spending quality time together and showing appreciation for each other can foster hope, connection, and love.

Celebrate milestones

Celebrate everything, no matter how big or small, and don’t be afraid to make an event out of it. Celebrations can be excellent ways to enjoy time with loved ones. 

Benefits of online therapy

Online therapy can be a convenient and suitable alternative to face-to-face therapy for those with cancer and their loved ones. Individuals living with cancer may struggle to find the time and energy to travel to in-office therapy appointments, but they can attend online therapy from any location with an internet connection at a time that fits into their existing schedule.

Effectiveness of online therapy

According to a 2022 meta-review, online therapy can help those living with cancer reduce levels of stress and depression. Additional research suggests that online and in-person therapy tend to produce the same client outcomes.