Dealing With Anxiety July 8, 2015 Chat

One of the questions on our October of 2014 survey asked about chat topic ideas for the coming year. Over 90% of the survey takers rated "Dealing With Anxiety" as important or moderately important topic. Tonight's chat proved the importance of the topic among the members of our community. We had 53 participants, 536 tweets in the hour and over 1.2 million impressions. We were happy the Association of Oncology Social Workers (@oncosocialwork) was able to join us.

The questions that guided our discussion and a few of the responses:
T1: What instances seem to cause the greatest anxiety among cancer patients and survivors? What are your triggers?

@gyncsm T1 Whenever I have to take a blood test or ultrasound or other test. Waiting for the results is hard.

— Lisa Gonzales (@runlikeacoyote) July 9, 2015

T1 My greatest anxiety is the annual scans & tests I need to make sure cancer aint back. Triggers is when I see the hospital #gyncsm

— Dr. Gia Sison (@giasison) July 9, 2015

T1: anxiety regarding the cost of cancer care is huge - not just monetary - also time away from work/family/friends #gyncsm

— Shannon Westin (@ShannonWestin) July 9, 2015

T2: Have you spoken to your healthcare provider about what causes your anxiety? Did it help? Do providers bring up and provide info?

T2: AS a provider, I find a calm demeanor combined with a detailed plan seems to reduce my patients anxiety. #gyncsm

— Rick Boulay,MD (@journeycancer) July 9, 2015

T2 Patients want to be "good patients" for their doctor - don't want to admit they need help at times #gyncsm

— AOSW (@oncosocialwork) July 9, 2015

@MDAndersonNews uses a distress thermometer to help determine which patients need a referral for support #gyncsm

— Shannon Westin (@ShannonWestin) July 9, 2015

T3: What are tips and resources to relieve anxiety? What have you found to be helpful in dealing with anxious feelings?

@gyncsm T3 Running helps me deal with anxiety. It reminds me I AM healthy again. Also, sharing my feelings w/ friends & asking for prayers.

— Lisa Gonzales (@runlikeacoyote) July 9, 2015

@gyncsm Yoga has changed my life, and not hiding any struggles, it's really helped. #gyncsm

— Kristal Turner (@KristalTurner) July 9, 2015

T3 diaphragmatic breathing, relaxation skills, exercises, journaling, lists of "projects", many other skills #gyncsm

— Alene Nitzky Ph.D RN (@AleneGoneBad) July 9, 2015

T4: In the bigger picture, what are ways that we can change the healthcare system itself so that patients experience less anxiety?

Need to use allied health professional (social work, nurse navigators, etc) more to provide resources to patients and caregivers #gyncsm

— Jen Burzawa (@jburzawa) July 9, 2015

T4 maybe some structured check-ins - telemed/other during that wait post visit for first check up; referrals ahead of time #gyncsm

— Christina Lizaso (@btrfly12) July 9, 2015

T4 Make navigating insurance processes easier - just making the appointment shouldn't cause anxiety! #gyncsm

— AOSW (@oncosocialwork) July 9, 2015

If you missed the chat you may read the transcript here and the analytics here. Please scroll down for list of resources mentioned during the chat. And you may continue the conversation on the Smart Patients platform at https://www.smartpatients.com/gyncsm

We hope you will join us next month on August 12, 2015 to discuss Dealing with Short and Long Term Side Effects. Please remember to tweet using the #gyncsm hashtag to share information with our community.


Dee
#gyncsm co-moderator and co-founder

RESOURCES

Definitions of Anxiety and Depression
http://www.anxietycoach.com/anxiety-and-depression.html

NCI  @theNCI - Adjustment to Cancer:Anxiety and Depression
http://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/coping/feelings/anxiety-distress-pdq

Cancer.Net @cancerdotnet
http://www.cancer.net/coping-and-emotions/managing-emotions/anxiety

Cancer Care
http://www.cancercare.org/tagged/anxiety?gclid=CJ3A86XkzMYCFQmKaQod4GUPuA

Cure Today: Scanxiety With Lynch Syndrome
http://www.curetoday.com/community/georgia-hurst/2015/04/scanxiety-with-lynch-syndrome

ASCO One in Three People with Cancer has Anxiety or other Mental Health Challenges
http://www.asco.org/press-center/one-three-people-cancer-has-anxiety-or-other-mental-health-challenges

JCO : Screening, Assessment and Care of Anxiety and Depressive Symptoms...
http://jco.ascopubs.org/content/32/15/1605.full

Gyn Onc : Depression, Anxiety, and Quality of Life in Patients with Epithelial Ovarian Cancer http://t.co/bdOGIIIcGU

British Journal of Health Psychology: Social support, anxiety and depression after chemo for ovarian cancer: A prospective study http://t.co/YmGwnUKQLx

JCO : Evidence-Based Treatment of Anxiety in Patients With Cancer 
http://t.co/99PebxIS8v

CancerConnect.com   Psychosocial Needs of Survivors of Gynecologic Cancers Must Be Addressed http://t.co/4lMSF9w5AZ

Medivizor 15 tips for Coping with Scanxiety
http://medivizor.com/blog/2014/06/03/15-tips-cope-scanxiety/

13 Things People With Anxiety Are Tired of Hearing, And What You Can Say Instead
http://themighty.com/2015/07/13-things-people-with-anxiety-are-tired-of-hearing-and-what-you-can-say-instead/?utm_campaign=site_twit&utm_source=twitter&utm_medium=social

Health Journeys - Meditation resources
http://www.healthjourneys.com/Store/Anxiety-Relief/29

NOCC - Living with OC
http://www.ovarian.org/coping.php

Reiki: Helping to Relieve the Anxiety of Cancer Patients
http://t.co/o9wP7XvfPw

Society of Gynecologic Oncology @SGO_org
https://www.sgo.org/

NY Times:
Anxiety Lingers Long After Cancer
http://well.blogs.nytimes.com/2013/07/12/anxiety-lingers-long-after-cancer/?_r=1
Lost in Transition
http://well.blogs.nytimes.com/2015/03/16/lost-in-transition-after-cancer/

@nannyangel

Nanny Angel Network provides free, professional relief childcare to mothers with cancer & their families.

Zero Suicide Toolkit for Professionals

http://zerosuicide.sprc.org/toolkit