Chapter 2: Mental health concerns
Anxiety – What may help
What the healthcare provider can do
Managing symptoms such as pain, shortness of breath, or other symptoms can help decrease a person’s anxiety.
Reviewing current medications can help determine if any may be contributing to anxiety; sometimes prescribing an additional one may help.
A referral to a social worker, counsellor, or spiritual care provider can help provide emotional support, practical suggestions, and information. A social worker can also help with referrals for in-home services, such as nursing visits and assistance with personal care or household tasks.
What families can do
If the person is reluctant to reach out, you might also consider talking with their healthcare provider for suggestions on how to support them.
A calm, understanding, and patient presence can help someone experiencing anxiety.
Sometimes people want to talk with friends or family about how their illness may progress, what will happen, and how it might impact others. They may worry about whether those close to them will be okay. If they are willing to talk, having a conversation with you about this can be helpful.
