Mental Health Awareness Week | Our Guide to Digital Support

15 May 2023 — david-allen

Both during and beyond treatment, living with cancer can have a negative reaction to your mental health when there are additional worries and concerns on your mind.

Mental Health Awareness Week 2023 runs from 15th to 21st May with the focus this year on anxiety. For many people living with cancer, anxiety is all too common; whether it be through balancing life and treatment, the fear of the unknown and simply because there isn’t someone to talk to. The good news is that there there are many support services out there – whether it be someone to talk to, help and advice or ways to meditate and relax.

Helplines

Helplines are are great way to get help and support from the comfort of your own home when dealing with anxiety and mental health issues. Here are just a few that can help you.

Pancreatic Cancer UK: 0808 801 0707

Breast Cancer Now: 0808 800 6000

Prostate Cancer UK: 0800 074 8383

Roy Castle Lung Cancer Foundation: 0800 358 7200

Leukaemia Care: 08088 010 444

Brain Tumour Support: 01454 422 701

Kidney Cancer UK: 01223 870 008

Orchid – Male Cancer: 0808 802 0010

SimPal is a unique charity offering FREE prepaid SIM cards and mobile phones to those living with cancer across the UK. If you or someone you know could benefit from this service contact the team on 0800 567 7890 or visit their website.

Apps

Did you know there are a range of apps available offering you a variety of support during your cancer journey? From specific cancer advice to relaxation and mindfulness, they can all be accessed directly from your smartphone.

Untire
Untire is an app that gives those living with cancer the tools to reduce fatigue. People who suffer from cancer-related fatigue (CRF) are often mentally and physically exhausted. Untire provides tools to reduce cancer fatigue and help people get back to living life.

• Easy to use app with videos, tutorials, and daily tips
• Online support community with other CRF peers
• Comprehensive, step-by-step program

Careology
Careology is a mobile app that aims to support you before, during and post your cancer treatment.  The app uses smart technology to help you to:

•  Manage & track your symptoms and side effects 
•  Manage your medication
•  Write your journal 
•  View your calendar
•  Share your status with family and friends 

Calm
This world famous app aids sleep, and provides meditation and relaxation. It offers nature scenes and sounds to enjoy while relaxing, sleeping, video lessons on mindful movement and gentle stretching and videos to learn the skill of meditation.

Online Support

As well as online articles and advice, many organisations offer chat forums or support groups where you can ask questions to others in a similar position to yourself.

Cancer Research UK – Cancer Chat
This online forum allows people from all over the country to chat to one another in their online cancer community allowing people to share experiences and offer advice and support covering a range of topics.

Cancer Support UK
This UK charity offers a peer support course developed by experts for encouragement and emotional support. They also offer Cancer Kits including a range of practical items.

Betterhelp
E-counselling website that offers online access to licensed, trained, experienced, and accredited psychologists, marriage and family therapists, clinical social workers, and board licensed professional counsellors. 

Macmillan Cancer Support
This online community from Macmillan is a free online place for people living with or who are affected by cancer to chat about the issues affecting them with people who have had similar experiences.