Having multiple myeloma may impact your emotional wellbeing. This means how well you feel emotionally.1 Your emotional wellbeing may be affected because of the shock of your diagnosis or due to changes to your day-to-day life. Or, as a side effect of certain treatments.2

It’s important to look after your emotional wellbeing as best as you can when living with myeloma.1

The emotional burden of multiple myeloma

Living with multiple myeloma – or any other type of cancer – may come with a range of emotions, including fear, worry, stress, or anxiety.3 These emotions may show up in different ways. They may cause you to have trouble sleeping, changes in your appetite, or feel overcome by exhaustion.1

Below we’ve shared some things that might help you deal with the emotional burden of living with multiple myeloma. 

Potential ways to improve your mood 

Talk to people

As the saying goes, a problem shared is a problem halved. So, speak to someone if you are struggling with your emotional wellbeing.1,4

You might feel comfortable speaking to friends and family about how you are feeling, or you may prefer to connect with multiple myeloma support groups to speak with people going through a similar experience to you. Visiting a counsellor is also an option if you want professional emotional support.1,4

Focus on self-care

Taking time to look after yourself is important, especially if you’re feeling down. Self-care isn’t just a nice thing to do, it’s essential when living with multiple myeloma.5,6

Self-care may look different for different people. For some, it means focussing on relaxation – perhaps getting more sleep and rest or taking a long bath. For others, it means focussing on things they enjoy – this could include exercising, making healthy meals, or taking time for complementary therapies such as acupuncture.5,6

If you are feeling lonely, perhaps self-care means socialising and connecting with people. Seeing friends or connecting with a club may help with feelings of loneliness.5,6

Speak to your doctor

If you are worried about your emotions and would like to get some professional help, then you may wish to connect with your doctor. They may prescribe medicines or therapies to help you manage the way you are feeling, or they can put you in contact with mental health specialists.6

Having multiple myeloma may come with a range of emotions, but know you are not alone. Take the time to lean into your support network and do the things that make you feel like a more healthy version of yourself again.1,4,5,6 Remember, you should always talk to your doctor about any new, unusual or worsening symptoms or feelings you are having.  

References

  1. Myeloma UK. Emotional & psychological support. Available from: https://www.myeloma.org.uk/me-and-myeloma/living-well/emotional-psychological-support/ [Accessed June 2025].
  2. Myeloma UK. Living well with myeloma: spotlight on moods and emotions. Available from: https://www.myeloma.org.uk/news/living-well-with-myeloma-spotlight-on-moods-and-emotions/ [Accessed June 2025].
  3. MyMyelomaTeam. Managing anxiety and myeloma. Available from: https://www.mymyelomateam.com/resources/managing-anxiety-and-myeloma [Accessed June 2025].
  4. Myeloma Canada. Coping with your diagnosis. Available from: https://myeloma.ca/living-with-myeloma/living-well-with-myeloma/coping-with-your-diagnosis/ [Accessed June 2025].
  5. International Myeloma Foundation. Self-care for myeloma patients. Available from: https://www.myeloma.org/blog/self-care-for-myeloma-patients [Accessed June 2025]. 
  6. PatientPower. Mental health with multiple myeloma: five tips. Available from: https://www.patientpower.info/slideshow/tips-for-managing-mental-health-with-multiple-myeloma [Accessed June 2025].