In preparation for AML World Awareness Day 2023, Know AML spoke to Vanessa Marais (Stellenbosch, ZA), a clinical psychologist specializing in oncology.
Vanessa discusses some of the practices she believes can help manage a patient's mental health throughout their AML journey. Firstly, she emphasizes the importance of talking to someone you trust. Completing simple activities, for example, breathing exercises, muscle relaxation, meditation, listening to music or keeping a journal, can improve the depression and anxiety symptoms patients may experience. Vanessa highlights that “it is very important to stay in touch with your feelings” during the different stages of the journey.