Using Mindfulness for Mesothelioma-Related Anxiety or Depression
Health & Wellness
Written by Dana Nolan, MS, LMHC | Edited By Amy Edel
This is Part 2 of a series of blogs discussing new guidelines for and potential of integrative therapies to treat mesothelioma-related anxiety and depression. To read Part 1: Can Integrative Therapy Help Anxiety and Depression?
Mesothelioma-specific research on anxiety and depression isn’t plentiful. However, studies indicate mesothelioma patients experience anxiety and depression at rates similar to those with other types of advanced cancer. Decades of research indicate anxiety and depression are the most common mental health issues cancer patients experience during and after their treatment.
We’re looking at new guidelines from the American Society of Clinical Oncology and the Society of Integrative Oncology. The guidelines focus on the use of integrative therapies to treat anxiety and depression in adults with cancer. In each blog, we’ll look at individual therapies, their effect on mental health, ASCO and SIO recommendations and how they may benefit mesothelioma patients.
Mindfulness-based interventions are one are the ASCO and SIO expert panel evaluated. MBIs were found to be safe and effective in reducing symptoms of anxiety and depression in adult cancer patients both during and after cancer treatment. These interventions could offer mesothelioma patients symptom relief.
What Is Mindfulness and What Are Mindfulness-Based Interventions?
Mindfulness originated as a Buddhist tradition. However, mindfulness is a concept becoming more popular in Western psychology research and practice. There’s growing empirical evidence that mindfulness practices are helpful in alleviating many mental health symptoms.
Practicing mindfulness is focused on increasing awareness of the present experience. This includes your thoughts, bodily sensations and surrounding environment.
Mindfulness encourages participants to approach their self-awareness with a sense of curiosity. It also promotes non-judgmental acceptance of your current experience.
- Gentle stretching exercise: Focuses on noticing how your muscles feel as they move through the stretches
- Meditation: This can include a variety of approaches such as guided, mantra or sitting meditations
- Relaxation exercises: Encourages you to notice the sensation of air moving in and out of your body
MBI are structured individual or group interventions shown in clinical research to be helpful in reducing emotional and physical distress. Their effectiveness has been seen in diverse populations, including cancer patients.
The most researched MBI to treat psychological symptoms like anxiety and depression is mindfulness-based stress reduction. Typically, this takes place in a group format over several weeks. The goal is to demonstrate and teach mindfulness skills.
Gentle stretching, scanning the body for sensations, sitting meditation and yoga are common topics of MBSR programs. Additionally, there is typically a group discussion on how to integrate mindfulness practices into one’s daily life.
Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy is another type of mindfulness practice that can be delivered in group or individual formats. It can combine mindfulness practices with traditional cognitive behavioral therapy techniques.
How Can Mindfulness-Based Interventions Help Mesothelioma Patients?
MBIs decrease emotional distress, helping mesothelioma patients experiencing anxiety or depressive symptoms. Research shows the ability to focus your attention on the present moment is associated with less emotional distress and higher psychological wellbeing.
Anxiety symptoms typically include worrying about the future and ruminating on the past. Mindfulness refocuses your attention to the present, which helps alleviate symptoms of anxiety.
Encouraging our inner voice to be more accepting of ourselves and our environment, less judgmental and more curious helps reduce symptoms of depression. Focusing attention on breathing and curiously scanning our body for physical sensations has a calming effect.
ASCO and SIO report MBIs are rated as very effective modalities to treat anxiety and depression in adults with cancer. Their guidelines indicate MBIs are helpful for cancer patients both during and after treatment.
How to Find MBI Practitioners or Programs
The best place to find group or individual programs to learn mindfulness practices is your cancer treatment center. Many larger multidisciplinary cancer centers offer integrative therapy including mindfulness-based interventions.
Some programs are offered online, making them more accessible to mesothelioma patients who may not live close to a mesothelioma treatment center. It’s usually not necessary to receive your cancer care from the facility that offers the mindfulness-based program.
Programs offered at cancer treatment centers are more likely to be specifically designed to be accessible to mesothelioma patients. The MBI practitioners in these spaces are usually more aware of potential medical or physical limitations mesothelioma patients may experience.
If cancer-specific mindfulness programs aren’t available, MBIs open to everyone could also be a good option. Speak with the practitioner leading the program about specific concerns you may have. It’s always important to get approval from your oncologist before trying any integrative therapy including a mindfulness-based intervention.
