Mental health issues after a cancer diagnosis are common and costly. Proven community ­based prevention programs can increase participants' knowledge and create positive changes in behavior. These programs could save thousands of dollars in health-care costs and even prevent deaths by suicide.

The Shelby County Family and Consumer Sciences Agent presented Taking Care of Mental Health during Cancer to 23 participants. Of those participants, 8 completed the evaluation. After the program, 100%of these participants reported that they increased their understanding of how to identify symptoms. Also, 100% reported that they could identify questions to ask their health-care team, while 100% increased their understanding of mental health best practices.

Exemplary quotes from participants regarding what they learned and what they will do as a result included:

Important things learned today: 

"Local resources regarding mental health, how to cope with hard days, signs that you are dealing with a hard day."

"Learn the signs of emotional stress develop strategies to maintain and increase my physical capabilities Identify physical and mental stresses in others in order that I might be able to offer help."

"Be as positive as possible. Keep up hobbies or something that makes you happy and relieves stress. Reach out for help if you know you are getting depressed or anxious."

"People who got treatment for Mental Heath had fewer symptoms of depression Cancer can trigger powerful emotions and can make you situation feel surmountable Getting enough sleep, Exercise and eating healthy foods may help, also drink water."

"Be aware of my own as well as loved ones' emotional health during stressful times. Be willing to reach out for help when needed. The importance of "rewarding" oneself after reaching milestones."

"LISTEN IF SOMEONE WANTS TO TALK ABOUT DEATH."

"1. Symptoms 2. ways to handle symptoms 3. cancer affects the person in many ways and the need to understand mental health."

"There's more information available than what I had realized and thinking more about the person in need more. Usually we think of care givers."

Things you will do as a result of this program:

"Living alone and with physical restrictions, I will resume my physical exercise routine. I will watch for signs of depression and take steps to stop the progression and alleviate the situations I intend to reach out to others so that I don't feel so isolated."

"Listen closely to people affected by cancer. Be positive around them. Suggest where they can seek help or what to do to relieve their anxiety."

"Talk to friends and family about what I have learned Talk to health professionals Get into a support grout if needed."

"Be a better listener when someone is seriously ill, become more aware of things I can do for continued good health (to hopefully avoid cancer."

"Go for a walk, try meditation, try to learn to knit."

"THINK ABOUT WHAT SOMEONE IS GOING THROUGH."

"1. Listen 2. Talk even when hard 3. take nutritional food rather than sugary things when visiting."

"Try to be there more for people."