Coping with Anxiety after an Ovarian Cancer Diagnosis

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Anxiety and Ovarian Cancer: You are Not Alone

Many women experience anxiety or depression after an ovarian cancer diagnosis
The most important thing is to remember that you’re not alone
Some of the most effective ways to cope with anxiety include counseling and support groups
Sometimes, medications can be prescribed to help

Experiencing anxiety after an ovarian cancer diagnosis is completely warranted, but there are a lot of valuable resources out there that can help.

“There can be a lot of very intense emotions that arise,” says Jessica Perreau, a nurse practitioner at Texas Oncology in San Antonio. “And we definitely want to make sure that those are addressed appropriately, and that we make sure to minimize the anxiety and depression as much as possible, and to provide good coping mechanisms and medications as necessary.”

Two of the most helpful options, Perreau says, are counseling and support groups. Sometimes, if it becomes necessary, your oncologist may also be able to prescribe medication to help with anxiety. A lot of the time, an effective strategy will incorporate some combination of all of the above.

“It just depends on what we find works best for the patients,” Perreau says.

During the ups and downs of your unique cancer journey, a counselor or therapist will be able to help tailor your sessions to your specific needs and concerns. Counselors and therapists can offer tips and strategies for coping with your new cancer diagnosis, can validate your concerns, and, ultimately, just give you someone to talk to who understands what you’re going through.

Support groups — which are usually specific to a type of cancer diagnosis, so, for instance, just ovarian cancer — can be incredibly helpful as well. Women who have just been diagnosed with ovarian cancer or are about to begin treatment can connect with women who have experienced the same treatment and can share their honest experience and advice.

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Jessica Perreau is a nurse practitioner at Texas Oncology in San Antonio. Read More

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