CINCINNATI, Ohio — When a friend or family member is diagnosed with cancer, we often think about their physical health, but their mental health is equally important.
At TriHealth, they understand that mental and physical health are linked, especially during such challenging times. Stacy Reese, the Clinical Manager of Psychosocial Oncology at TriHealth Cancer Institute, emphasizes the importance of addressing emotional well-being in cancer care.
“People tend to focus on treatments like chemotherapy and radiation, but the emotional impacts are often overlooked,” explains Reese. “Feeling anxious or depressed can affect the body’s ability to heal. That’s why mental health support is crucial in cancer care.”
TriHealth is working to bring mental health services alongside cancer treatment to improve patient outcomes. Research shows that addressing emotional, social, and family aspects of cancer can lead to better recovery and a smoother transition into survivorship.
Paula Berryman knows this firsthand. Her cancer journey began when she was just 24. After finding a lump while nursing her son, it was initially dismissed. For 20 years, she stayed vigilant with her screenings, but the pandemic disrupted her routine. In 2020, she faced a breast cancer diagnosis.
“It was stage two invasive ductal carcinoma, with spots in my breast and lymph nodes,” she recounts. Even though she tried to stay positive, she struggled inside. Thankfully, her nurse navigator introduced her to Reese and the mental health team.
“I had all these emotions,” Berryman says. Although she had never been to therapy before, these sessions helped her manage her feelings during treatment. “I wanted to stay positive and not let anxiety and depression win. It was a lifesaver to get this support,” she declares.
Thanks to the mental health services at TriHealth, Berryman feels passionate about raising awareness on this critical aspect of cancer care. The team at TriHealth has expanded its support, adding social workers and behavioral health professionals to assist patients from the moment they are diagnosed.
Patients often leave sessions feeling grateful. “They thank us, but we feel thankful too. Their strength gives us purpose,” Reese adds, highlighting the mutual support in these interactions.
To learn more about the range of services TriHealth offers, you can explore their cancer support options.
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