Young adults: how to cope with feelings and emotions

Blood cancer doesn't just affect you physically. There's an emotional side too. You may have feelings you didn't expect.

What's the emotional impact of blood cancer?

Emily, Hinna, Jamie and Leanne talk about how it feels to live with blood cancer.

There’s no right way to feel with cancer. There may be times when you feel low, and it can be hard to share that with family who are already worried about you. But there are things you can do, from getting professional help, to simple ways to lift your mood.

Coping mechanisms

Leanne, Hinna, Jamie and Emily talk about what's helped them emotionally.

How to manage difficult feelings

We asked young adults with blood cancer how they found emotional support. Here are some of the things that helped them cope:

Counselling: Ask your hospital or GP for psychological support. Your workplace or university may also be able to refer you for counselling.
Keep in touch with friends: Even if you’re not feeling great, make the effort to stay in contact with friends. It’s so important for your mental health to keep those connections, even if it's just online.
Meet people your age with cancer: A few charities organise events and activities for young adults who’ve been diagnosed with cancer.
Create an uplifting playlist: You might find that music can put you in the right mood to face the day.
Binge watch your favourite shows or listen to podcasts: If treatment makes you tired it’s good to have things to do that don’t need much energy but keep your mind busy.
Record it: It can help you deal with stuff if you keep a written or video diary. Some people are happy to share on social, to get and give support.
Try mindfulness: This is about the positive effects of focusing on the present moment. There are loads of apps you can use if you want to try it – just google "mindfulness". As a first step, you might want to watch our mindfulness videos.
Join an online forum: Forums make it easy to connect with other people going through cancer.
Plan things to look forward to: Having something to look forward to can help you get through the bad days. Plan things you used to enjoy doing and want to get back to, or new things you’ve always wanted to try.

Our online community forum

"Everyone on the online community forum is so supportive and people will always respond."

Leanne

Where to get emotional support

Blood Cancer UK

Call our Support Service on 0808 2080 888, or email [email protected]

To connect with people who’re going through similar things, join our online community forum

NHS Services

In England, you can refer yourself to talking therapies in your area.

In Scotland, you can get immediate help from Breathing Space.

In Wales and Northern Ireland, speak to your GP to get a referral for counselling.

If you’re under 18 and live anywhere in the UK, your local Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS) may be able to support you. Ask your GP or hospital team about being referred to CAMHS.

Private therapy

You can also find trained counsellors and therapists through the Counselling Directory and British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy.

You will need to pay, though some therapists offer free or low-cost counselling. Look at the individual counsellors’ pages.

Work-based services

If you’re working, your employer may have an Employee Assistance Programme (EAP). EAPs may offer counselling or psychological therapies as part of a package of services. Ask your employer how to access your EAP.

University services

If you’re at university, you should have access to free counselling services. Go to your university’s website and search ‘student counselling’.