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United Kingdom: Psychological support

Leukaemia affects feelings as well as the body. This chapter explains how to find psychological support in the United Kingdom and how to help yourself.

Last updated: ~1 min read
On a dark navy background, two empty armchairs facing each other in a calm room.
Figure 1.Talking to a professional lightens the load.

01Short answer

A diagnosis and long treatment can bring fear, sadness, anger, insomnia and loneliness. These feelings are normal, but if they last and get in the way of daily life, professional help is needed. Support can be found through the treatment centre’s psychologist or social worker, patient organisations and online groups. Family members deserve support too.

02Simple explanation

Feelings are normal.

Talking lightens the load.

A professional helps with lasting sadness or worry.

03Scientific explanation

Emotions: according to the NCI, anxiety and depression are common in people with cancer and can be treated.

Coping: the NCI names talking, support groups and relaxation techniques as helpful ways to cope.

04What happens in the body?

Name your feelings

Naming a feeling (“I am scared”, “I am tired”) helps you manage it. Keeping a journal helps too.

On a dark navy background, an open journal on a windowsill at dawn.
Figure 2.Writing feelings down helps.

Whom to ask

The centre’s psychologist, a social worker or your doctor can refer you to a specialist. Talking with people who have walked the same path, through patient organisations, gives support.

Support groups

Meetings and online communities ease loneliness. During neutropenia, online formats are safer.

On a dark navy background, a circle of small warm lights.
Figure 3.You are not alone — United Kingdom: Psychological support

Local notes: United Kingdom

Macmillan Cancer Support offers a free support line and information on psychological help; referral to talking therapies is also possible through the NHS.

05Helping yourself in four steps

Small steps, real relief.

Name it — Put the feeling into words.1Name itPut the feeling into words.
Talk — To someone close or a professional.2TalkTo someone close or a professional.
Breathe — Slowly and deeply.3BreatheSlowly and deeply.
Referral — Ask the team for a psychologist.4ReferralAsk the team for a psychologist.
ReliefLess tension.
SleepIt may improve.
StrengthTreatment is easier to continue.

06Key points at a glance

TopicIn brief
Name your feelingsNaming a feeling (“I am scared”, “I am tired”) helps you manage it. Keeping a journal helps too.
Whom to askThe centre’s psychologist, a social worker or your doctor can refer you to a specialist. Talking with people who have walked the same path, through patient organisations, gives support.
Support groupsMeetings and online communities ease loneliness. During neutropenia, online formats are safer.
Local notes: United KingdomMacmillan Cancer Support offers a free support line and information on psychological help; referral to talking therapies is also possible through the NHS.

07Key terms

Anxiety
Persistent worry and fear.
Depression
Lasting sadness and loss of interest.
Psycho-oncology
Psychological care in cancer.
Support group
A meeting of people with similar experience.

08Key points

  • Feelings are normal.
  • Talking helps.
  • Professional help is available.
  • Families need support too.
  • With dangerous thoughts, get help at once.

09Frequently asked questions

Is seeing a psychologist a weakness?

No. It is part of care.

Can I take antidepressants?

Your doctor decides; some interact with leukaemia medicines.

My child is very scared. What can I do?

Explain simply, answer questions and ask about a child psychologist.

10Questions for your doctor

Take these questions to your appointment. The ones you save are collected on the “My questions” page and stay on this device only.

  1. Is seeing a psychologist a weakness?

  2. Can I take antidepressants?

  3. My child is very scared. What can I do?

My questions

12Sources

  1. National Cancer Institute (NCI). Feelings and Cancer
  2. National Cancer Institute (NCI). Adjusting to Cancer
  3. National Cancer Institute (NCI). Support for Families When Someone Has Cancer
  4. Macmillan Cancer Support. Emotional support
  5. Clínica Universidad de Navarra. International patients
  6. Bambino Gesù Children’s Hospital. Onco-haematology therapies (in Italian)
  7. IRCCS Ospedale San Raffaele. Hematology and Bone Marrow Transplantation (in Italian)
  8. AP-HP, Hôpital Saint-Louis. Hematology and bone marrow transplant department (in French)
  9. Institut Paoli-Calmettes. Acute myeloid leukemia (in French)
  10. The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust. Haemato-oncology Unit
Medical disclaimerThis information is for educational purposes only and does not replace medical advice.
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