How to cope with job anxiety and depression after cancer treatment?
Community Member
6 hours agoHello everyone, I’m Chona and I have been diagnosed with stage 3 adenocarcinomacolon cancer last February 2024. I had four surgeries total. I finished my chemo treatment in December of 2024. NED for 9 months. I lost my job in May 2025. Now, anxiety, depression, insomnia and lost of appetite started. My mental health is affecting my daily life. I could not focus and I have been having brain fog. All I could think about is the thought of not finding a job. I am a new RN and only worked as a nurse for 6 months in an assisted living facility due to my diagnosis that I had to take FMLA. Been unemployed ever since (almost 2yrs) and now finding for a job is hard. And this all I think about and I am scared. I don’t have much experience in nursing and I may have lost my skills. I need a stress free work which i doubt it. I don’t know what to do.
Community Member
an hour agoThe combination of cancer recovery and job loss can create overwhelming feelings that affect both mental and physical well-being. Many cancer survivors face similar challenges when returning to work, especially in demanding fields like nursing, and it's completely normal to feel anxious about skills and experience after an extended absence. Consider reaching out to your oncology team about these mental health symptoms, exploring nurse refresher programs or gradual re-entry opportunities, and connecting with cancer survivor employment resources that understand the unique challenges you're facing.
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