×

QUICK LINKS

Welcome to
CAN-EMPOWER
Need immediate
help
Just diagnosed Help for family
and friends
Find local
support
SITE MAP
☰ QUICK LINKS

Emotions and focusing on what matters

There are many unpleasant thoughts and feelings that living with cancer can trigger. Whether you are feeling sad, angry or scared, these feelings are normal: be kind and compassionate to yourself when you have these feelings.

In this section, you will find techniques you can use to cope with these thoughts and feelings. They are informed by an effective approach called Acceptance and Commitment Therapy in supporting people with cancer. You can find out more by watching the film clip below.

For some people, challenging feelings and worries can be overwhelming, taking over thoughts for much of the day. Imagine your worries and fears are written on a piece of paper which is held right in front of your eyes. It is impossible to see anything else except these negative thoughts. Now imagine you place this paper on your lap. The worries and fear are still there, but they are no longer in charge and you can see what’s going on around you. This is what this section tries to do: allow you to be in charge of your thoughts rather than letting them be in charge of you.

There are different aspects to this approach (click on any aspect to find out more):

Navigation diagram Navigation diagram

The following exercises can be used to support the approach, or they can be used on their own:

You can find out more about people’s experiences of worry, fear and anger by clicking the button below:

Connecting with the here and now Opening up to your thoughts and feelings Finding what is important to you Taking action Connecting with the here and now Opening up to your thoughts and feelings Finding what is important to you Taking action