Emotional wellbeing

The months following a diagnosis of a serious illness can be a very stressful time. Cancer affects not only the body but the mind as well. It’s important to remember that everyone responds in their own way, and there is no right or wrong reaction. Whatever emotions you may experience are entirely valid and completely natural. It’s perfectly acceptable to not feel okay.

If you’re struggling, don’t be too hard on yourself—it’s normal to feel upset. You might be more used to putting on a brave face, but that’s not always the best way to deal with cancer. Throughout your treatment and beyond, the TYA team is here to listen and support you through any challenges you face. However, if you have serious concerns about your mental health, it’s crucial to reach out to your treating team or Clinical Nurse Specialist.

Supportive Care

Our staff are here to treat your illness and to ensure that you have the best quality of life possible in the months to come. Every healthcare worker you meet at our centres will be aiming to provide good psychological care to you and the important people in your life. It is part of the job of every person working at our centres to consider your emotional wellbeing; so if you do have particular concerns and wish to talk them through, please speak to any member of your healthcare team.

Useful resources for patients | BHOC

Complementary therapies

Complementary therapies are increasingly used within hospital settings to support cancer patients and their families during the medical treatment of their illness.

Therapies can help reduce stress and increase a sense of wellbeing during what is often a very challenging time for both patient and family.

There is also some evidence that complementary therapy of this kind can sometimes help reduce the more unpleasant side effects of treatment.

More information

Reflexology Treatments on the Bristol Teenage & Young Adult Unit | The Friends of Bristol Haematology & Oncology Centre

Reflexologist and Holistic Therapist - Claire Harris

In 2000 I qualified as a primary school teacher and spent the next 16 years working in various primary schools around Gloucestershire, mainly teaching 5-7 year olds. Then in 2016, after having two daughters, I decided to leave teaching to gain a better life/work balance. After a much needed break, I registered as a childminder and cared for teachers' children so I could enjoy the school holidays with my own.

I'd always enjoyed having reflexology, finding it relaxing and calming, as well as a bit of time for me! Knowing that my childminding days were coming to an end, I started to train in reflexology at the Cheltenham School of Complementary Therapy. I completed this in early 2021. I then went on to learn Indian head massage, holistic facials and more recently thermal auricular therapy. I now work from my own purpose built studio in the garden of my home in Cheltenham. Alongside this, I also provide reflexology sessions at my local infant school, specifically with children who have stressful lives or special needs. The children look forward to my weekly sessions and call me 'Foot Pamper Claire'. The staff can really see the difference in the children's behaviour post reflexology and say they're calmer and more open to listening.

Reflexology is a therapy that I carry out on the feet (or hands if preferred) to restore physical and emotional wellbeing. It is a touch therapy based on the theory that different points of the body on the feet, lower leg or hands correspond with different areas of the body and reflexologists work these points and areas. Reflexology is a relaxing, gentle therapy; I use my fingers and thumbs to manipulate the reflexes which in turn encourage the body to naturally rebalance itself as well as helping it to revitalise and nourish a tired body, all whilst calming the mind. Reflexology is suitable for all ages and can help support individuals who experience a variety of chronic conditions.

Some of my clients quote:

"I've slept so well after my reflexology. I feel rejuvenated."
"My feet feel so light and feel so nourished."
"I just feel calm, relaxed and balanced."
"I felt emotional, this is the most relaxed I've been in such a long time, I need more of this in my life."

I love what I do and bringing calm and relaxation to my clients is extremely rewarding and special.

Reiki Therapist - Raina Nahar

I have been a Reiki practitioner and teacher since 2008. Before that, I was a yoga teacher and aromatherapy therapist. I taught yoga in London one-to-one and in financial institutions to help reduce stress and bring peace to heart, mind and body. I continued this work but with Reiki, and I have been offering this service at the TYA unit since 2018. I am grateful to have the opportunity to help patients, families and staff in this way.

How to book

For further information or if you have any questions please call the TYA Office 0117 342 759 or speak to a member of the TYA team.

This is a charity funded service and is free of charge to the client, thank you to Friends of BHOC who continue to support this wonderful opportunity for TYA cancer patients and their supporters.

Peer Support

Meeting other young people who really understand what you are going through can often help. This is usually called ‘peer support’. Your TYA team will be able to tell you about any local opportunities to meet other young people with cancer. If meeting face to face doesn’t interest you or isn’t possible at the moment, there are online supports available.

Self Care

Taking time for self-care can be an excellent way to cope with your cancer diagnosis and treatment. Consider the following aspects of your well-being:

Diet: Pay attention to what you eat.
Sleep: Ensure you’re getting enough rest.
Social Needs: Stay connected with friends and family.
Physical Activity: Engage in regular exercises.
Many support services and charities focus on promoting physical activity and staying active.

Engaging in activities that you once enjoyed can help rekindle your sense of self prior to your diagnosis. If those activities are no longer possible, consider exploring new, simple hobbies such as being creative, reading, or learning a new skill.

Maintaining a busy schedule and a consistent routine can also be beneficial. Distraction is a powerful tool when feelings of worry or anxiety arise. Your TYA team can assist you in finding engaging activities to keep you occupied.

Additionally, reaching out for support by talking to friends, family, or your TYA team can be invaluable. Sharing your feelings helps you process emotions, as keeping them bottled up can often make things worse.

Mindfulness & Meditation

Mindfulness and mediation are great tools in learning to deal with anxiety and managing your emotions especially when feeling overwhelmed. There are many apps that can be used to meditate or track your mood: