Type of Distress | Specific techniques to address Distress |
---|---|
Practical - finances; difficulty with domestic tasks | Referral to Social Work; clarification of concerns; structured problem-solving; challenging black and white thinking about the need to perform domestic tasks; re-assigning priorities. |
Family - concerns about children | Listening; acknowledgment of concerns; explanation about children's needs; discussion about the benefits of maintaining routine; reassuring children that they have not caused the cancer. |
Emotional - anxiety about chemotherapy | Explanation; identification of automatic thoughts; challenging negative cognitions; relaxation and guided imagery. |
Physical - pain | Referral for medical review; exploration of concerns about pain; identifying and challenging misbeliefs e.g. about becoming dependent on analgesia or that use of morphine implies inevitably poor prognosis; relaxation and guided imagery. |
Spiritual - shame about dependence, low sense of worth | Dignity-conserving techniques e.g. exploration of past experiences, reflection on strengths; engaging in creative discussion about ways to feel in control; framing assistance as necessary to maintain dignity. |