Can Mindfulness Therapy Offer Relief For Depressed Cancer Patients?
A cancer diagnosis can be distressing to cope with, and those diagnosed may experience fear, sadness, anxiety, and anger. There is no right or wrong way to react to or live with a cancer diagnosis, and anxiety and depression can be common in cancer patients. However, options are available for coping and finding support if you seek it. There are often physical and psychological elements involved with cancer that may be challenging to grapple with. Mindful therapy modalities like mindfulness-based therapy may offer relief if you're experiencing symptoms of depression or extreme emotional distress.
Managing symptoms of depression in individuals diagnosed with cancer
If you're experiencing anxiety and depression, consider the following tips for coping.
Let yourself feel your feelings
Studies show that suppressing emotions can cause physical and emotional challenges. While it can be overwhelming to experience a mixture of emotions or the depth of emotion that might occur during your cancer journey, embracing any feelings of fear, sadness, anger, or anxiety may be beneficial. Learning to feel your feelings and let them pass through you might lessen the intensity of these emotions when they arise. Accepting that you feel the way you feel can remind you that it is a natural response to your circumstances.
Lean on your support system
Cancer can feel alienating and isolating; it may feel like no one understands what you're going through. Although only you can experience what you're going through, talking about your feelings with loved ones can help them understand and may relieve challenging emotions. In addition, studies indicate that social connection can improve psychological well-being and provide mental wellness.
Utilize the resources around you
Family and friends can offer support, but you may find more relief from the professional resources in your area. Don't hesitate to seek therapy or counseling if you're struggling to cope with the feelings associated with cancer. You may also have counselors and psychologists on your cancer team at your medical center who can provide you with tools unique to your situation. You might also consider participating in supportive-expressive group therapy with other patients with cancer.
Practice mindfulness to reduce stress and improve quality of life
Research on mindfulness for individuals living with a cancer diagnosis
Research studies in the Journal of Medical Internet Research show that one in three cancer patients experience high psychological distress. Mindfulness-based therapy can effectively reduce distress for these individuals. However, one potential drawback of conventional, face-to-face mindfulness therapy is that it might not be readily available. Online mindfulness-based cognitive therapy may be a more practical option for those experiencing symptoms like fatigue and pain.
In the study above, researchers examined the effectiveness of online mindfulness-based therapy for cancer patients. The research aimed to examine the levels of participation in online therapy based on client characteristics and their connection with treatment outcomes for clients with cancer.
Potential benefits of mindfulness therapy for cancer patients
One large systemic review presented research exploring the benefits of mindfulness for several aspects of cancer treatment. It included multiple noteworthy studies and clinical trial details, including the following.
- In a randomized controlled pilot trial of women with breast cancer receiving breast cancer treatment, breast cancer patients who used mindfulness-based stress reduction experienced improvements in depression and had better coping strategies than breast cancer patients who didn’t.
Another study looked at Danish breast cancer patients and found those who practiced mindfulness practices, like sitting meditation, experienced fewer issues sleeping than those who didn’t.
Another looked into the lingering stress of cancer survivors. When looking into persistently fatigued cancer survivors and distressed breast cancer survivors, it was found that breast cancer survivors and colorectal cancer survivors had reduced stress when they incorporated mindfulness-based stress reduction techniques. It also reduced cancer-related cognitive impairment.
A separate randomized control trial researched younger breast cancer survivors and found that mindfulness reduced stress, depression, and inflammatory signaling.
Psychological distress in cancer patients
In the study above, researchers examined the effectiveness of online mindfulness-based therapy for cancer patients. The research aimed to examine the levels of participation in online therapy based on client characteristics and their connection with treatment outcomes for clients with cancer.
Researchers first explored whether client characteristics (demographic, psychological, cancer-related, and personality traits) could predict a person's willingness to try online mindfulness therapy and their willingness to adhere to the program. Researchers then tested whether participation (number of logins, number of emails sent to therapist, amount of time logged in, number of assignments completed) could predict treatment outcomes regarding improvement or distress in psychological symptoms. Overall, researchers predicted that more involved users would gain more from the intervention than those who were minimally involved.
Methods and interventions
The treatment program consisting of mindfulness-based cognitive therapy interventions was similar to those used for cancer patients in clinical settings, and users' participation was measured within the online program. Participants were categorized as nonusers, minimal users, low users, and intended users based on their usage measurements. Questionnaires were administered before beginning therapy to test participants' baseline characteristics, and characteristics were measured once again at the end of the therapy program.
The therapy intervention was designed to be completed in nine weeks; however, the average time to complete the program was 10.4 weeks. Each session focused on a different theme; for example, they partook in self-care one week and communication the next. Participants were then given assignments around that theme, including guided meditation audio files. Therapists provided consistent feedback for each assignment.
Results
After participants completed the mindfulness therapy, researchers studied the trends that emerged. Participants, on average, logged in 30.5 times throughout the study, with a mean logged-in time of 28.1 minutes each time. Individuals sent nine emails to their therapists, and most users completed the assignments. Seventeen participants were classified as nonusers (13.6%), 24.8% were minimal users, 9.6% were low users, and the majority, 52%, were intended users.
Compared to minimal and low users, intended users (or those who participated actively and according to the guidelines) reported less psychological distress and more positive mental health outlooks after the program was completed. A similar pattern was noted for participants who completed all assignments compared with those who did not. This result suggests that more significant involvement in online mindfulness therapy (compared to the sheer frequency or duration of use) is related to positive outcomes in mindfulness-based cancer recovery and cancer treatment.
Patient characteristics and willingness to participate in therapy
Researchers also found that nonusers feared cancer recurrence more than those who used the platform. This result may be because those with high fear levels avoided participation out of fear of confronting their fears. Further analysis of which participants were more likely to adhere to the therapy program found that women demonstrated greater adherence than men.
The study found that personality could also affect a person's willingness to complete online mindfulness therapy. Prior research has demonstrated that lower levels of unwanted feelings and impulsivity and higher levels of emotional unawareness, or alexithymia, correlated with less usage of online therapy interventions. Some research has also shown that older adult patients are more receptive to online cognitive-behavioral therapy than younger adults.
Study conclusion: Can mindfulness therapy offer relief for depressed cancer patients and improve their quality of life?
The most effective mental and physical health treatment for cancer patients may not be one-size-fits-all. Personality traits, past experiences, and levels of distress can all affect what treatment a person seeks, and it can be challenging to gauge what treatment someone will be receptive to.
Though you may suspect that those with higher levels of fear would be more likely to seek help, this research showed the opposite. Nonusers feared cancer recurrence more than those willing to participate in online mindfulness therapy actively. Additionally, intended users were more conscientious than minimal and low users.
Ultimately, users who actively participated in the program significantly reduced levels of psychological distress and experienced more positive mental health scores than minimal and low users. The results of this study show that online mindfulness-based therapy can effectively reduce psychological distress and depression symptoms in those living with cancer who are willing to participate.
Suggestions for future research
Mental health care options
If you or someone you know is living with cancer, help is available. Mental health may be affected through every stage of cancer, from the day of diagnosis and throughout active treatment to the day you learn you are in remission. Studies show that online therapy can be an effective mental health treatment for various symptoms, including stress, depression, hospital anxiety, and grief.
How online mental health care can provide relief for depressed cancer patients
When life feels overwhelming and out of control, it can be hard to know where to turn, but investing in your mental health can be one step to feeling better and experiencing stress reduction. When you seek therapy through a platform like BetterHelp, you are matched with a licensed therapist qualified to meet your needs with compassion and empathy.
Through an online platform, you can also receive worksheets, resources, and guidance from home. Some platforms also offer an messaging feature to message your therapist if you have questions throughout your week.
Takeaway
How does mindfulness help with cancer?
Individuals with cancer can experience high levels of stress, which can lead to anxiety and depression. Mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) has been used to improve mental and physical health outcomes for over 4 decades. MBSR uses mindfulness-based interventions to target anxiety, depression, and sleep challenges.
People receiving care for advanced cancer often cope with diverse physical symptoms such as headaches and nausea caused by surgery, chemotherapy, or other medical treatments. Mindful attention can help calm circuits in the brain, possibly making it easier to stay present during daily activities and lowering overall mental distress.
A randomized controlled trial on the effectiveness of Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction programs on women with breast cancer found that these techniques may improve quality of life at the end of the intervention, but have no significant impact in the long term. Patients with breast cancer were observed to have a slight reduction in anxiety and depression and improvement in sleep during the intervention and up to six months later.
What is the best psychological therapy for cancer patients?
Talk therapy has been found to benefit approximately 75% of cancer patients, though more robust research is needed. Doctors may recommend cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), mindfulness-based approaches, or acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), along with support groups, to enhance mental health and quality of life.
The American Psychiatric Association emphasizes the importance of coordinating with the patient's health care team when co-occurring psychiatric disorders are present, allowing providers to treat depression and other concerns more effectively. Studies suggest that active participation in therapy can significantly improve depression outcomes and aid in symptom management in everyday life.
How to help cancer patients mentally?
When it comes to mental health and cancer, a randomized controlled study found that a mindfulness practice can have a short-term positive effect on managing feelings of anxiety and depression and improving sleep quantity and quality.
Encourage the person to talk with their oncologist, a social worker, or another member of the health care team if they feel depressed or notice new health conditions related to emotional well-being. These professionals can recommend counseling, support groups, or other things like light physical activity or creative outlets that can benefit the patient and their family members and friends.
How do you uplift the mood of a cancer patient?
According to the American Cancer Society, strong social support from family, practicing mindfulness, staying engaged in enjoyable activities that spark interest, maintaining proper nutrition through regular eating habits, and managing side effects from other medicines can help a cancer patient feel more positive overall.
Why does mindfulness help with depression?
Mindfulness can be an effective way for someone with depression to create distance from their depressive thoughts through non-judgmental observation. It may also support brain function by promoting emotional regulation and reducing overactivity in areas linked to rumination. Rather than trying to avoid depressive thoughts (which can exacerbate symptoms), mindfulness can allow you to accept these thoughts and learn to practice self-compassion. Finally, by focusing on the present moment, mindfulness can help prevent negative thought spirals, which are common in psychiatric disorders like depression.
Does a positive mindset help with cancer?
A forced positive mindset can do more harm than good by interfering with the normal response to illness and adding stress when coping with cancer. However, cultivating a true positive mindset, by seeking support, engaging in patient-centered medical care, and adopting healthy habits, can improve emotional well-being and even help manage other health conditions that may occur alongside cancer.
What is the purpose of mindfulness in therapy?
Mindfulness practice can help an individual identify feelings, thoughts, and behaviors through intentional and non-judgmental observation. By identifying these things, they can then move forward in shifting negative patterns of thought and behavior into more positive directions. This approach can be especially helpful for those experiencing insomnia, as it encourages relaxation and awareness without relying solely on medicine.
How effective is mindfulness therapy?
While more robust evidence is needed, several studies from the past two decades show the efficacy of mindfulness on many factors, including:
- Improvement of overall mental health
- Chronic pain management without relying solely on medicine
- Better sleep quality
- Reduce stress and burnout
- Learning and cognition
How to provide emotional support to cancer patients?
- Listen and validate. Give them space to talk about fear, sadness, anger, or uncertainty without trying to “cheer them up.” Naming feelings out loud lowers distress.
- Stay connected. Regular calls, messages, or short visits remind them they’re not alone and can be linked to a better quality of life.
- Offer practical help. Rides to treatment, meal prep, childcare, or paperwork can ease daily stress and show concrete care.
- Encourage professional and peer support. Suggest counseling, hospital psycho‑oncology services, or a cancer support group where people share coping ideas.
- Introduce gentle coping tools. Mindfulness exercises, guided breathing, or brief meditations can reduce stress, fatigue, and anxiety.
If someone mentions suicide, call or text the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988, or alert a clinician immediately.
What is the best antidepressant for cancer patients?
There isn’t one best antidepressant or medicine that works for everyone. Some may respond well to selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) or tricyclic antidepressants, depending on their symptoms and medical history. Others may benefit from therapy approaches like mindfulness-based cognitive therapy, which can help reduce depression, stress, and anxiety. The right treatment should be tailored to each person’s needs and guided by a healthcare professional.
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