Dealing with Changing Emotions

Coming home after a bone marrow or cord blood transplant (often called a BMT) is usually a happy time. It can feel good to be back in your own home with your family and friends around you. You have gone through a difficult treatment and are probably beginning to feel a little better. And yet recovery is a slow process and can be a stressful time. Emotions some people feel in the months after transplant:

• Anger or depression because they do not feel better as soon as they expected they would.
• Frustration because they do not have enough energy to do the things they want to do.
• Guilt because they are doing well while other transplant recipients they know may not be doing well.
• Mood changes caused by the drugs they must take after transplant. Some of these drugs can cause depression or mood swings.
• Dissatisfaction with old plans and goals. Recognizing new priorities and making lifestyle changes may feel good, but can be stressful as well.

You may not have any of these feelings. But if you do, you are not alone. You can take steps to deal with these feelings.

Seek support

• Let family members and friends know you still need their support. Tell them what would help you the most. Maybe it would help to talk about your feelings. Or you might want to spend time together doing something you enjoy.
• Get support from other transplant survivors. It can help to talk to people who have gone through similar experiences.

Be active

• Be as active as you are able without overdoing it. Do things you enjoy. Being active can take your mind off your health and help you focus on other parts of your life.
• Exercise as you are able. Exercise can reduce stress and improve a person's outlook on life. Talk with your doctor about what kind of exercise and how much you can do.
• Try projects that let you express yourself or build a new skill. Some examples are painting, writing, making crafts or learning to play an instrument.

Get the rest you need

• Get enough rest. Take naps. Go to bed early. You will need much more rest than you did before your transplant. Getting the sleep you need can help you feel better.
• Find ways to relax. You might try meditation, listening to music or methods that use breathing, muscle relaxation or imagery.

Get professional help

• Talking to a professional counselor might give you a new way to look at things and ideas for dealing with your feelings.
• Talk with your doctor. If feelings of sadness, anger or anxiety interfere with your daily life, you may be depressed. Depression is a medical condition that your doctor can treat.