Private Blog Network – Children with cancer are at high risk of experiencing mental health problems. According to a 2015 report from the Ministry of Health, 59 percent of children with cancer suffer from mental health issues such as anxiety disorders, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
Understanding this vulnerability, Tyas Amalia, Chairperson of the Indonesian Yellow Ribbon Foundation for Children. Emphasized that treating pediatric cancer requires the involvement of various parties, especially in providing psychosocial support.
“This is where the role of different experts and stakeholders becomes crucial in handling cancer in children. Including the involvement of professional social workers in meeting their daily needs,” Tyas stated.
Since 2016, the Indonesian Yellow Ribbon Foundation has strived to provide holistic and ongoing psychosocial support to children and their families, with the presence of certified social workers.
These professional social workers are responsible for conducting physical and psychological assessments. Offering advocacy and education, and connecting families with experts such as psychologists and psychiatrists. The goal of this support is to enhance treatment outcomes and mitigate the psychosocial impact of medical care on children with cancer.
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Causes of Mental Health Issues in Children with Cancer
In a 2019 publication aimed at understanding the psychosocial needs of children with cancer, Datta identified three key factors contributing to mental health challenges:
- Medical Procedures
Children with cancer often experience anxiety at every stage of treatment. For instance, during the initial diagnosis phase, painful procedures such as bone marrow aspiration can induce intense fear. These young patients may develop hospital-related phobias, feeling panicked and reluctant to meet healthcare staff.
- Social Activity Disruptions
Cancer treatment demands that children spend significant time in hospitals, drastically altering their social lives. Children who were once active and socially engaged may lose the opportunity to interact with their peers. Most children must stop attending school and can no longer participate in regular childhood activities. This sudden change can lead to mental health issues like stress, mood swings, and even depression.
- Physical Changes
Physical alterations due to cancer and its treatments can also make childrened vulnerable to mental health problems. Many children face challenges with body image, struggling with changes such as hair loss or the loss of limbs due to amputation. These physical changes can make children feel different and less confident, impacting their self-esteem.
By addressing these psychosocial aspects and providing comprehensive support. Organizations like the Yellow Ribbon Foundation are helping children with cance and their families cope with the emotional and psychological challenges that come with the disease.