What Emotional Distress do Mesothelioma Patients Deal With?

[MUSIC PLAYING] Emotional distress is very common when somebody is diagnosed with mesothelioma. Emotional distress can be anxiety, fear, depression, relationship strain, or body image issues. These may have never been an issue in someone's life prior to their diagnosis. But what we know is when somebody is diagnosed with mesothelioma or they're caring for somebody who is that these issues can certainly arise. [MUSIC PLAYING] Well, there's actually two answers to that question. One is if your oncologist or surgeon refers you for mental health counseling, it's because they see something that they're concerned about in terms of either anxiety or depression or sleep problems. And that's usually a good recommendation to take. The other answer to that question is that if a mesothelioma patient or a caregiver finds that they are struggling with anxiety or depression or fear and that they feel like they've tried things on their own to cope with it, but it's just not working. [MUSIC PLAYING] Many comprehensive cancer centers these days actually employ counselors or social workers to work with their patients and caregivers. Another option is that you can call one of the patient advocates here at the Mesothelioma Center, and they can try and find a counselor for you in your area. Several decades ago, there definitely was a stigma about seeking mental health care of any kind. Luckily, we've made great strides. And it is absolutely more acceptable for patients to seek mental health care, especially when they're dealing with a mesothelioma diagnosis. Some cancer patients have said that they were reluctant to ask their doctor for a referral to either a psychiatrist or a mental health provider because they were afraid their doctor would think they were crazy. What I tell patients who have that fear is that their oncologist has certainly heard from many other patients who've struggled with anxiety or depression in the past and that they absolutely should seek a referral for mental health counseling. [MUSIC PLAYING]