Psycho-Oncology

At Shankara Cancer Hospitals, we understand that cancer affects not only your body but also your mind and emotions. Our Psycho-Oncology services are designed to support you in every aspect of your journey, helping you cope with the psychological challenges of cancer with resilience and hope.

Asking for ‘HELP’ is the bravest thing to do when you are in distress.

Did You Know?

Shankara Cancer Hospitals provides personalised psychological care to our patients and their caregivers to support them in their journey against cancer.

After a diagnosis of cancer, you may experience:

Uncertainty, Sadness, Fear, and Anxiety: It’s natural to feel these emotions. Acknowledging them is the first step toward managing them; know that you do not have to manage this alone, our team will hold your hand through this.
Depression, Anxiety and Other Disorders: Many patients and caregivers exhibit signs of depression and/or anxiety. We assure you that you do not have to go through the turbulence of psychological disturbances during cancer treatment. Our team will help you find a solution that is most suitable and comfortable for you.

Why do you feel this way?

Frequent Hospital Visits: Regular trips to the hospital can create a sense of alienation and sorrow.
Treatment Side Effects: Physical changes, such as hair loss, weight fluctuations, or surgical scars, can impact self-esteem and body image.
Emotional Toll: The mental and emotional burden of cancer affects both patients and caregivers, leading to stress, fatigue, and sometimes burnout.
Existing mental health issues: Cancer patients with existing psychiatric disorders such as mood disorders may present with aggravated symptoms that often lead to the diagnosis of the disorder during cancer treatment.

Coping mechanisms you can try

1. The 5, 4, 3, 2, 1 Grounding Method

See: Name 5 things you can see around you. Engaging your visual senses helps shift focus from internal stressors.
Hear: Name 4 sounds you can hear. Actively listening to external sounds helps bring awareness to the present moment.
Feel: Name 3 things you can touch. Exploring tactile sensations helps ground you in your physical environment.
Smell: Name 2 things you can smell. Inhaling scents around you can provide a calming effect.
Taste: Name 1 thing you can taste. Focusing on taste helps anchor you in the present moment, completing the sensory cycle.

This method is highly effective for quickly reducing stress and anxiety levels, providing immediate relief in moments of distress.

2. Music Therapy

Therapeutic Tool: Listening to music, singing, or playing instruments can significantly reduce stress and anxiety. Music has the power to uplift mood, evoke positive emotions, and create a sense of comfort and solace.
Monthly Music Concert: Our monthly ‘Svaropachara’ concert at the Sri Sri Sri Abhinava Vidyathirtha Mahaswamiji Auditorium provides a healing experience. Enjoy performances by renowned artists, with the event also broadcast on our in-house TVs and Facebook.

This method is highly effective for quickly reducing stress and anxiety levels, providing immediate relief in moments of distress.

3. Yoga Therapy

Holistic Practice: Yoga focuses on physical, mental, and emotional well-being through a combination of exercises, pranayama (breathing techniques), and meditation.
Free Sessions: Join our yoga classes every Tuesday and Friday from 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at Sri Sri Sri Abhinava Vidyathirtha Mahaswamiji Auditorium. Our trained yoga specialists also offer bedside yoga for patients.

4. Art Therapy

Art therapy is an expressive medium that helps balance thoughts, foster creativity, and improve mental health. Engaging in artistic activities provides a channel for self-expression and emotional release.

Mandala Therapy

Symbol of Wholeness

Drawing or colouring mandalas can reduce stress, improve focus, and provide a sense of calmness. Creating repetitive patterns in mandalas is calming and helps you stay in the present. The intricate designs of mandalas promote relaxation and mindfulness.

How to Get Started

You can begin your mandala therapy journey by simply selecting a mandala design and gathering your preferred colouring materials. Find a quiet and comfortable space to engage in the therapeutic process, allowing yourself to fully immerse in the meditative practice.

If you would like to try this mandala art therapy, use the resources provided here and explore more. Follow the Guidelines. Download the resources here:

Drawing a Mandala

Colour a Mandala

Colour Therapy

Emotional Impact

Different colours evoke different emotions and can help manage stress and anxiety. Exploring colour therapy allows individuals to harness the therapeutic properties of colour to promote emotional well-being.

Other Miscellaneous

Mindful Breathing

Practise mindful breathing to stay present and reduce stress. Focus on your breath—inhale and exhale slowly. This simple technique can help quiet the mind and increase awareness of the present moment, preventing repetitive thoughts.

Practice Gratitude

Expressing gratitude can improve mental well-being. Take a moment to appreciate the people, nature, and things around you. Gratitude can shift your focus from challenges to blessings, fostering optimism and resilience.

Engage in Hobbies

Engaging in activities you enjoy can uplift your mood and distract you from pain or worries. Whether it's cooking, reading, or painting, find activities that bring you joy. Exploring new hobbies can also be a rewarding way to stay occupied and positive during your cancer journey.

When should I seek help?

You can assess your mental health status in 1 minute with a small test - The Self Assessment Tool called Mental Health Pain Scale. This will help you in deciding if you should seek help.

Self Assessment tool

Read all the statements given below. Select ONE statement that best describes your current state of mind. The score will be displayed below with brief guidance on the appropriate steps to cope with your current mental health status.

Thank you! Your submission has been received!

Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.

Seeking Professional help

Seeking professional help for mental health concerns is a proactive and empowering choice. Our trained psychiatrists and psychologists offer valuable insights, support, and guidance to navigate through challenging emotions and experiences. Whether struggling with anxiety, depression, or any other mental health issues, our team provides personalised treatment and strategies tailored to your unique needs.

REMEMBER:

Reaching out for professional support is a courageous decision that can lead to greater clarity, healing, and overall mental wellness.

Psychological Support at Shankara Cancer Hospitals

At Shankara Cancer Hospitals, we understand the importance of addressing mental and emotional difficulties alongside physical treatments. Our Psycho-Oncology Department is dedicated to helping cancer patients and their caregivers cope with these challenges through peer support, empathy, and hope. Our team of expert psychiatrists and psychologists provides professional help to overcome distress and thrive stronger than ever.

Dealing with mental health issues often requires a combination of medical and behavioural therapy interventions. Our specialists prescribe medications for sleep disorders, stress, depression, and other serious concerns, complemented by therapy sessions designed to address underlying psychological factors.

In addition to individual therapy, we offer support group meetings and counselling sessions to address body image concerns, fostering a supportive environment where patients can connect with fellow survivors and caregivers to uplift spirits and fight cancer together.

How do I seek help?

Talk to our experts at the Department of Psycho-Oncology,

Call Dr. Pavithra

We ensure that all your interactions with our team are handled with complete confidentiality. Your trust and privacy are our priority, whether you seek medical advice, support, or any other service, we are committed to securely protecting your personal and private information.

Our doors are always open for both patients and caregivers to deal with the diagnosis, treatment, or your emotional state.

Know more about our Mental Health facilities.
Explore our Psycho-Oncology Department