Everybody is different, and while some find it easy to be open with a partner, close friend or family member, some find those closest to them the hardest to open up to. This is often due to worry about how those feelings will affect them.
There is no right or wrong way, but for your emotional well-being, it is usually a good idea to express your feelings to at least one person. That person might be your GP, specialist, nurse, counsellor, friend, partner, another person who has cancer, or even your whole support group.
Some people find that it is easier to manage emotions such as anger, frustration and sadness if they learn relaxation techniques, such as visualisation, meditation or progressive muscle relaxation. Your cancer nurse will be able to tell you more about these techniques, and also about complementary therapies such as acupuncture, aromatherapy, massage, homeopathy and reflexology.
There are many health professionals involved in cancer care, such as the Macmillan nurses, who will be happy to help you get through the emotional side of having cancer, as well as the physical side. Counsellors, clinical psychologists, psychiatrists and community psychiatric nurses (CPNs) are specifically trained to help people with conditions such as depression. Your GP or cancer specialist will be able to talk to you about referring you to the most appropriate health professional, should you need them.