When you don’t want to talk
You may find that you don’t want to talk about your fears and concerns with family and friends. This may be because you feel uncomfortable discussing private matters, you don’t have the words to describe how you feel, or you fear becoming upset or overwhelmed.
Sometimes putting things into words makes it seem more real, and you may not feel ready to address some of these concerns. Everyone handles a cancer diagnosis in their own way. If you don’t want to talk, your wishes should be respected.
Ways to share how you're feeling
If you’re having trouble talking to others about personal issues, here are some ways you can share your experiences:
- Let others help − Try to allow others to provide support, as this can help you adjust to your situation and cope better with your own emotions.
- Join a support group − Talking about your fears and concerns with people who are going through a similar experience can often be easier. Join a support group, talk to a health professional or call Cancer Council 13 11 20.
- Express your feelings creatively − Explore your feelings by writing in a journal or making something creative like an artwork or a song. This can help you to release your emotions if you find it difficult to talk to others.
This information was last reviewed in December 2016
View who reviewed this content
Dr Maria Ftanou, Lead Clinical Psychologist, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre and Research Fellow, Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, University of Melbourne, VIC; Dr Kathryn Dwan, Senior Policy Officer, Palliative Care Australia; Alison Hocking, President-Elect, Oncology Social Work Australia, VIC; Philippa Kirkpatrick, National Policy Manager, Palliative Care Australia; Prof Liz Lobb, Professor of Palliative Care (Allied Health), Calvary Health Care, Kogarah, NSW; Caitriona Nienaber, 13 11 20 Consultant, Cancer Council WA; Hamish Park, Consumer.
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The cancer information on this website is based on the Understanding Cancer series booklets published by Cancer Council. This information is reviewed and updated every two years or as new information comes to hand. Cancer Council works with cancer doctors, specialist nurses or other relevant health professionals to ensure the medical information is reliable and up to date. Consumers also check the booklets to ensure they meet the needs of people with cancer. Before commencing any health treatment, always consult your doctor. This information is intended as a general introduction and should not be seen as a substitute for your own doctor’s or health professional’s advice. All care is taken to ensure that the information contained is accurate at the time of publication.
