If you’ve received a diagnosis of chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), stress can take a toll on your health. Exercising, finding activities you enjoy, and seeking out support can lower stress, which can improve the outlook of CLL.
If you’re living with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), you’ve probably heard it’s very important to manage your stress.
While it’s true for everyone that managing stress can improve quality of life,
That means after receiving a diagnosis of CLL, you have to take extra care to manage your stress. And plenty of resources are available that can help you do just that.
If you or a loved one has CLL, read on to learn about the link between CLL and stress, plus learn some useful tips for managing stress while living with CLL.
Receiving a diagnosis of any long-term condition, such as CLL, can be very stressful.
You might worry about:
- your outlook
- the treatment involved
- feeling unwell in general
- logistics like finances
- how your condition might affect your day-to-day life
Coping with stress effectively is a very important part of self-care for anyone. Research from 2020 shows that the effect of stress on the body can worsen certain diseases.
Managing stress is perhaps more important than usual if you have CLL.
The 2018 research mentioned earlier, which centered on stress and CLL, suggested that stress relates to immune and inflammatory processes that contribute to an increase in cancer cells.
The researchers noted that living with CLL can be very stressful, whether due to:
- the condition itself
- treatment
- concerns about relapsing and future treatment challenges
The research showed that stress promotes B-cells that produce inflammatory cytokines, such as interleukins 6 (IL‐6) and IL‐10. Higher levels of IL-6 and IL-10 are associated with shorter survival.
However, while CLL puts you at risk for greater stress, the researchers found that learning to manage and reduce your stress can improve your outlook.
While managing stress with CLL can be daunting, you can take action to reduce your stress level. The following steps can help you cope with stress.
Regular exercise can boost your mood and help you manage your stress.
- lessen depression and anxiety
- help you maintain your independence
- reduce nausea and fatigue
- improve the quality of your life
Other 2021 research suggests that regular, moderate exercise may also prevent or lessen some of the side effects of cancer treatment.
Speak with your doctor about safely creating an exercise routine that will work for you.
Speaking about your feelings with a friend or family member can help you manage your stress. Having people who provide you with emotional support can reduce feelings of depression and anxiety.
If you’re finding it difficult to reach out to friends or family members or want to connect with someone who can relate to your experience, you can try joining a support group.
The American Cancer Society has a
Counseling or therapy
While talking with friends or family or connecting with a support group is generally a good idea, it doesn’t have to be the only resource to help you manage your stress.
Speaking with a therapist or a counselor gives you an outlet for discussing your feelings and worries without judgment.
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There are many ways to meditate, so you might need to try a few before finding what works for you.
Some people recommend repeating a word or phrase, called a mantra. Others prefer meditating through physical movement, like tai chi or yoga. There are also apps that can encourage and guide you through simple meditations.
One of the great things about meditation is that it doesn’t require any special tools or preparation. Simply find a quiet place, close your eyes, and focus on your breathing or other soothing elements.
Don’t try to begin meditation during moments of high stress. Instead, begin when you have time to relax and focus.
While meditation may feel awkward at first, making it a regular habit can help you feel more comfortable. It can take a few weeks to start seeing the benefits, but consistency will help you build your skills.
The best results happen with
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Going for a walk or a bike ride, gardening, or just reading a book in the sun can all be great ways to spend more time outdoors.
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Think about the things you already enjoy that you could spend more time on, or consider picking up a new hobby or interest.
Ideas for hobbies include:
- arts and crafts
- gardening
- reading
Find what you like and make time to do it.
While not everyone needs the same or immediate treatment for CLL, sometimes concerns about the treatment itself can be a source of stress. This stress could be due to issues like:
- concerns about when to begin or potential side effects
- challenges in making and maintaining appointments
- worry about the financial cost of treatment
Work with your providers to discuss the right choices for you. They may be able to suggest less invasive or expensive treatment options. They may also be able to provide resources for finding emotional or financial support.
Unmanaged stress may cause long-term issues. Research shows that stress negatively affects the body.
Not only can stress worsen CLL and other diseases, but it can negatively affect the brain and nervous system, the immune system, the cardiovascular system, and more.
If you take steps to lower your stress levels, like those discussed earlier, you can lower the risks of long-term stress. Plus, lowering your stress levels through self-care can lower your inflammation markers.
Research from 2023 says reducing these inflammation markers is associated with a better outlook for people with cancer.
Living with CLL can be very stressful. However, it’s important to be aware that stress has negative effects on CLL and overall health and well-being.
You can learn to reduce your stress levels with some self-care practices and through the support of loved ones and healthcare professionals.
Reducing your stress can help you feel better and have an improved quality of life — and it may have a positive effect on your CLL.
