Money worries are the leading cause of stress for Australians.1 It is very common for people to struggle with the financial impact of cancer. It’s also common for people to feel too embarrassed to ask for help.
This may be the first time you have ever needed financial help or had difficulty balancing your budget and you don’t know where to start.
A good first step is to talk to a member of your treatment team or call Cancer Council 13 11 20. They will be able to let you know about the services that can help.
Support for emotional stress
Financial stress can add to the worry of being diagnosed with cancer. It may feel overwhelming and, for some people, it can lead to depression, anxiety, and conflict with family members.
Getting help with your finances can ease a lot of the stress, but if you are finding it hard to cope emotionally, there are several options to consider:
- Talk to your GP, as counselling and/or medicine – even for a short time – may help. Some people can get a Medicare rebate for counselling sessions with an accredited counsellor or a psychologist. Ask your doctor if you are eligible.
- Check whether you can talk to a psychologist or social worker at your cancer care centre.
- Call 13 11 20 to see if your local Cancer Council runs any counselling programs.
- Manage your overall stress by doing regular physical activity and exercise, eating healthy food, and using meditation and relaxation techniques.
Could you be depressed?
If you have continued feelings of sadness, have trouble getting up in the morning or have lost motivation to do things that previously gave you pleasure, you may be experiencing depression. This is quite common during and after treatment among people who have had cancer.
Manage your overall stress by doing regular physical activity, eating healthy food, and listening to our podcast on meditation or relaxation below.
Learn more about emotions and cancer.
For information about coping with depression and anxiety, contact Beyond Blue on 1300 22 4636. For 24-hour crisis support, call Lifeline on 13 11 14.
→ READ MORE: How do I prepare a budget?
Meditation and Relaxation Podcast
Listen to more of our meditation and relaxation podcast for people affected by cancer
Video: How to eat well after a cancer diagnosis
Video: Exercise and cancer
More resources
HWL Ebsworth Lawyers, Sydney, NSW; Leigh Aitken, Consumer; Mary Bairstow, Senior Social Worker, Cancer Centre, Fiona Stanley Hospital, WA; Lynette Brailey, Team Leader Financial Counselling, Cancer Council NSW; Corinne Jones and Siew Tan, Financial Counsellors, Cancer Council VIC; Penny Jacomos, Social Worker, Asbestos Diseases Society of South Australia, SA; Dr Deme Karikios, Head of Department – Medical Oncology, Nepean Cancer and Wellness Centre, Nepean Hospital, NSW; Valerie Parsons, 13 11 20 Consultant, Cancer Council SA; Viridian Financial Group, Melbourne, VIC.
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