Why might I need mental health support?
After your stem cell transplant, you might be struggling with your mental health more than you did before. But you don’t have to wait until you feel really low, extremely anxious or overwhelmed before seeking help. Poor mental health can affect anybody at any time.
Many people turn to family and friends for advice when things get tough, but you might also benefit from professional support. Getting support could form part of a wider strategy for looking after your mental health.
However you choose to access support, it might not make your problems go away. But it should help you see things more clearly and make it easier to deal with them.
What types of support could I try?
When you’re deciding what type of mental health support you might want to try, you’ll come across lots of options. Some of the most common types of support include:
Medication
Talking therapies
Self-help
Support groups
Cancer centres
Alternative therapies
Useful organisations
If you need some inspiration on what to try, you could ask other people on our Patients and Families Forum.
Types of talking therapies
In talking therapy, your therapist will usually start by asking how you’re feeling and what’s making you feel that way. Together you’ll discuss your reaction to these feelings and find ways to try changing your thoughts so you feel more in control.
Although talking therapies help a lot of people in their recovery from stem cell transplant, they aren’t for everyone. Some people try them and find no real benefit. There’s nothing wrong with this and it certainly isn’t your fault – maybe the timing wasn’t right, or another approach would suit you better.
Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT)
Counselling
Group therapy
Private therapy
Support groups
Online support groups
How do I access talking therapies?
If you’d like to try a talking therapy, your medical team or GP can refer you. If you’re experiencing problems with depression or anxiety, it’s possible to access free treatment in England through the NHS Talking Therapies Programme.
Anthony Nolan also offers a free Telephone Emotional Support service specifically for people who have had a stem cell transplant, as well as their families. If you think this might be helpful to you, email our team to arrange an appointment: patientinfo@anthonynolan.org.
Cancer centres
Some charities fund purpose-built cancer centres which you’ll often find onsite in hospitals. These centres provide a calm and tranquil place for people to focus on their recovery and mental wellbeing.
Specially trained health professionals run these centres. They provide information and activities related to cancer and recovery, including:
- nutrition and health advice
- financial advice
- emotional support
- recreational classes
- professional talks
- support groups.
In some cases, you don’t need to live nearby to get support – they might be able to offer help on the phone or online. You can visit these charities’ websites to find out more about your nearest cancer centre:
Please note most cancer centres are only able to support people who have had a stem cell transplant to treat a blood cancer. If you had a transplant to treat a blood disorder, you can’t usually access these services.
Alternative therapies
Some people believe that alternative therapies and medicines have the power to benefit their mental and emotional recovery, as well as improving physical symptoms. You might also hear these called ‘complementary therapies’.
Some examples of these include:
- spiritual healing
- hypnotherapy
- reflexology
- herbal and natural remedies
- different types of massage
- reiki (a form of ‘energy healing’)
- acupuncture.
If you want to explore one of these options, you must discuss it with your team first so they can check that it’s safe for you. You can read about some of these in more detail on the Cancer Research UK website.
Remember:
While these might work well for some people, the advice we give on our website and in our resources is based on clinical research only. Our information has been approved by medical professionals and we can only recommend that you follow the advice of your medical team or GP.
Useful organisations for mental health support
British Association of Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP)
Information about counselling and registered therapists across the UK.
Campaign Against Living Miserably (CALM)
A suicide prevention charity offering online information and support, as well as a helpline for people who are struggling, or if you’re worried about someone.
Childline
Information, advice and support for under 19s by phone and email support service, with free 1-2-1 counsellors and through online message boards.
Macmillan Cancer Support
Practical, financial and emotional support for people with cancer, their family and friends.
Maggie’s
Maggie’s helps anyone affected by cancer. Talk to and get support from a range of professionals in any topic related to your treatment or recovery.
Mind
Infoline: 0300 123 3393
Support line: 0300 102 1234
Provides information and helplines for people who need support for their mental health or wellbeing.
Mind Over Cancer
A charity offering mental health support to young people up to 29 years old who have had a cancer diagnosis, as well as their families. Also offers a free counselling service.
The Mix
Text THEMIX to 85258
A service for young people up to 25 years old offering a crisis text line, webchat, counselling and mental health information and advice.
NHS Talking Therapies Programme
Allows people to self-refer to NHS-funded counselling and therapy services available in their local area.
On My Mind
Offers support and resources for young people who need help with their mental health and wellbeing, with a search tool to find local services for young people up to 25.
Relate
Offers information and advice on relationships, as well as counselling and sex therapy. You can book a call with them or visit a centre in the UK.
Samaritans
116 123
Offers a free, confidential helpline where you can talk about anything at all, 24 hours a day.
Shout
Text SHOUT to 85258
Offers a free, confidential and 24/7 text messaging service for anyone in the UK who needs support for mental health and wellbeing.
YoungMinds
A mental health information and support service for young people, as well as their parents, carers or guardians.
Information published: 31/10/2024
Next review due: 31/10/2027