Mind and Body Each person diagnosed with cancer must work through feelings in his or her own time. There is no "one-size fits all" solution that will help you and your family cope with concerns you may have at this time. But it is important to find the balance and inner strength to meet the challenges that lay ahead for you and your family. Many people dealing with cancer and cancer treatment find that their own spirituality and beliefs are one of the most important tools they have to help them cope. This sense of connectedness to something more universal or stronger than yourself can help lessen anxiety, depression, and even pain. A positive attitude about yourself and the world around you may also help you cope with being ill. That is not to say you and your family should expect to always feel positive during your treatment. There may be times when you face more challenging situations and you may feel sad or distressed. Understand that cancer brings a multitude of emotions including fear, shock, disbelief, and even anger. But most cancer patients learn to accept their diagnosis through time and support from their families, friends, and doctors. Once treatment begins, many patients find they can continue aspects of their lives and find some semblance of "normalcy" while living with cancer.  Meeting feelings head-on often helps you overcome them. Many people find talking with others -- family, friends, health care professionals, clergy, psychotherapists, and others who have experienced cancer -- helps them sort through some of their emotions. The American Cancer Society's "I Can Cope" program recommends: Be kind to yourself. Focus on what you are able to do and not on the things you can't do at this time. Be helpful to others Say no. If you feel you are not up to doing something you are asked to do, Say no. Talk to someone about your feelings Pace yourself and remember to stop before you tire Realize you won't win every argument Exercise Do things you enjoy Take one step at a time Set your priorities Become an expert at problem solving Get proper nutrition Sleep Be sure to get a good laugh each day Psychosocial interventions that use thinking and behavior interventions can be important tools for you. They help give you a sense of control and also help you develop coping skills. You may want to discuss the following with your doctor and determine what may be helpful to you. Relaxation and Imagery: Simple relaxation techniques may be useful in dealing with brief episodes of pain. Some of these techniques may include slow, rhythmic breathing, simple massage, or just holding someone's hand for a brief time. Hypnosis: Hypnosis may be used to encourage relaxation and it may be combined with other methods. It is effective in relieving pain if you are able to concentrate and use imagery. For hypnosis to be successful, however, you will need to practice the technique. Redirect thinking: Focus your attention on things other than the pain or negative emotions you are feeling. Examples may including focusing your mind on counting, praying, or repeating a positive phrase such as "I can cope." External distractions could be music, television, talking, or any other activity that takes your mind off what you are experiencing. Patient Education: Your doctor and oncology team members can provide you with information about pain and pain management .  Psychological Support: Some patients are helped by short-term psychological therapy. Support groups and religious counseling.