Coping with COVID-19 related stress

When you are facing cancer during a global pandemic, you may have extra fears, concerns, and stress. To help, we have compiled some self-care resources for you and your loved ones.

Helpful articles specific to patients with cancer

Cancer.net/American Society of Clinical Oncology:

The National Cancer Institute:


cancer-support-resources-woman-with-hand-on-her-heart.jpgFinancial Assistance for patients with cancer affected by COVID-19
CancerCare® has just launched a fund for all cancer patients in active treatment affected by COVID-19, also known as the coronavirus. This fund covers food, medications, general household living expenses, transportation, homecare, and childcare. Financial assistance will continue until available funds are fully expended. For more information about the fund for cancer patients in active treatment affected by COVID-19, as well as other services, patients and healthcare professionals can call 1-800-813-HOPE (4673), Monday to Thursday, 10 am to 6 pm EST and Friday, 10 am to 5 pm EST.
 
The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society launched the LLS COVID-19 Patient Financial Aid Program to eligible blood cancer patients experiencing financial hardship due to the pandemic. This fund will provide $250 to eligible blood cancer patients experiencing financial hardship due to the pandemic. It can help offset non-medical expenses including rent, mortgage, utilities, and food. Blood cancer patients who apply do not need to have a COVID-19 diagnosis, and they could have already received assistance from other LLS Patient Financial Assistance Programs. Learn more by visiting www.LLS.org/Covid19PatientAid or by calling (877) 557-2672.
 
Resources to help cope with Coronavirus-related fear and anxiety:

  • Coronavirus Sanity Guide
  • Meditation and mindfulness - Facing Pandemic Fears with an Awake Heart - a one-hour talk by psychotherapist and meditation teacher Tara Brach. This can also be downloaded as a podcast, and A Steady Heart in the Time of Coronavirus with Tara Brach & Jack Kornfield. In this two-part video, Jack Kornfield and Tara Brach offer practices for loving awareness and well being.New York Times article, Stop Fighting Anxiety
  • Shine, in partnership with Mental Health America, has vetted and compiled a wealth of research-backed and helpful tools for you—articles, meditations, access to mental health experts, anxiety screenings, and more. Visit www.virusanxiety.com.

Finding a counselor or therapist
Our licensed clinical social workers at Northern Light Cancer Care can help talk through your concerns, help you find additional resources, and help you find a therapist that is a good fit. Please reach out to our team by calling 207.973.7486.

You may also find a therapist at psychologytoday.com.

Many therapists are offering virtual counseling sessions through secure online video platforms or by telephone at this time, and most insurances are covering these services through the coronavirus pandemic. 
 
Apps for smart phones and other mobile devices

  • Calm - This promises to help users sleep better, boost confidence, and reduce stress and anxiety, all with the help of guided meditations, soothing music, and bedtime stories
  • Headspace - A highly-rated app with a wide range of meditations, at this time, they are offering a range of free meditations, sleep and movement exercises called “Weathering the Storm”.  
  • Insight - It has the largest free library of free guided mediations available: insighttimer.com
  • Shine - A daily self-care app designed to help people cope with stress and anxiety.  Very highly rated (5 stars by over 10k users, and received a 2018 Editor’s choice award), offering meditations, mindfulness exercises, check-ins, etc. The basic version is free.