This section was designed by teens in collaboration with licensed social workers,
psychologists, and counselors. We hope to help you identify the feelings you may be
experiencing, let you know that you are not alone, and to give you positive ways to cope.
We realize that not all suggestions will be helpful to each individual,
but we are confident that you will find something that can help you
with where you are at right now.
      
| Wor • ried (adj.) 1. To feel uneasy or concerned about something; be troubled.
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You would not be normal if hearing that a loved one had cancer did not
evoke some worry. Feeling downright scared some of the time is even
common, but feeling stressed most of the time may be a sign that you need
some help managing your emotions. Try some of the following activities:
*Find one person to talk to and share your thoughts and feelings with them.
*Get some exercise.
*Have a good cry.
*Pray alone or with another person.
*Journal, writing whatever comes to your mind.
*Relax. Try and spend ten minutes a day quieting your mind and
concentrating (meditating) on good memories and mind pictures that help
you feel less upset. Breathe deeply and concentrate on relaxing your
muscles.
*Avoiding using alcohol or drugs. They are temporary escapes that will
leave you with more problems to cope with.
If you find yourself plagued with anxious thoughts that may even cause you
to feel physically upset (shaking, difficulty breathing, irregular heart beat,
dizziness, nausea or hives) you may benefit from talking with your doctor,
counselor or school nurse about other ways to handle your anxiety. |
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*Find someone you trust and discuss the things that worry you
*Educate yourself about the disease that is troubling you- don’t assume you
know everything.
*Remember that anyone can write anything they want on the Internet, and
carefully consider the credibility of online sources
*Keep talking to the person in your life with cancer, and avoid trying to
mind-read
*Spend time in prayer/meditation
*This serenity prayer comforts many people: “God grant me the serenity to
accept the things I cannot change;
courage to change the things I can; and
wisdom to know the difference.”
*Exercise- Do something to take your mind off of it |
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Maggie, 13
When I was 9 years old my mom was diagnosed with breast cancer. My feelings ranged from sad to confused to hopeful. My feelings don't matter- all that matters is that my mother lives a faith-filled life and the holy spirit heals her.
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This is a Gems of Hope Inc. program designed and developed by teenagers.
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