Side Effects of MBC Treatments: Sleep Problems and Mental Health
Treatments for MBC can cause anxiety, depression, and sleep problems, in addition to the mental health impacts of living with MBC. We continue our series this month with advice from experts about how to manage mental health challenges when living with MBC and as side effects of treatment.
Side effect management is an active area of study in clinical trials. Enrolling in a clinical trial that is studying better ways to prevent or reduce side effects may help you have a higher quality of life and may help people in the future.
Visit the links below for expert suggestions on ways to address problems with anxiety, sleep, quality of life, and mental health and for clinical trials that are studying ways to manage these side effects.
Caring for Your Mental Health While Living With MBC
- Breastcancer.org: Psychologist Dr. Tamara Shulman describes the different mental health care options for people with MBC and how to find them
- Very Well Health: Psychiatrist Dr. Kathleen Daly reports that engaging in fulfilling activities and accepting help can benefit people learning to cope with MBC
Managing Sleep and Fatigue Problems as Side Effects From Treatment
- Muse: The Muse headband and meditation may reduce anxiety and sleep problems
- Living Beyond Breast Cancer: Tracking your sleep habits and talking to your care team about them can help you find ways to manage sleep problems
Managing Anxiety and Depression as Side Effects From Treatment
- OncoLink: Meditation and breathing exercises may help with anxiety while receiving radiation for brain metastases
- Clinical Journal of Oncology Nursing (abstract of journal article): Using a weighted blanket may help with anxiety when receiving chemotherapy
- Everyday Health: Social worker Susan Hedlund reports that depression that can be caused by chemotherapy can be managed by seeking help, staying active, watching your diet, and practicing meditation or yoga
MBC Clinical Trials
- Metastatic Trial Search: Trials for Sleep Problems
- Metastatic Trial Search: Trials for Fatigue
- Metastatic Trial Search: Trials for Anxiety
- Metastatic Trial Search: Trials for Depression
- Metastatic Trial Search: Trials for Managing Side Effects