Cancer is dynamic, and so are the emotions and responses that come with it. As you adapt to treatment, addressing your emotional needs is just as vital as managing the physical aspects. 

Your emotional care plan relies on two pillars: awareness of your feelings and coping skills. Coping skills offer short-term solutions to navigate the emotions and practical challenges that accompany cancer-related distress. 

What once helped you cope might not serve you well on challenging days. Adapting coping strategies to your evolving needs is a sign of resilience and growth.

Sailboats are designed to cross uncertain waters and handle unpredictable weather, tides, land, and various obstacles. Their resilience lies in their ability to adapt to outside forces beyond their control. Sails can be adjusted to harness or release the wind's power, while the rudder enables shifts in direction. 

Imagine yourself as a sailboat navigating unpredictable seas. Your emotions may shift like changing weather. Just as sails adjust to storms or calm waters, you can adapt, inviting others aboard and altering your direction through life's unwanted challenges. Occasionally, you might find it helpful to explore different methods of steering the boat, as different oceans demand varying navigation strategies.

At Iris, we categorize emotional navigation into four areas: 

• MIND: Techniques for reshaping thoughts that impact your mood 

• BODY: Focusing on physical needs and self-care 

• ALLOW: Strategies for acceptance or softening toward unwanted changes 

• ACTION: Problem-solving skills, asking for help, and trying new approaches 

 Our Iris Care Team specializes in building personalized emotional care plans. Schedule a session with one of our licensed mental health experts to develop coping strategies tailored to your unique situation.