A cancer diagnosis is never an isolated experience – it sets off a ripple effect that impacts not only the patient, but also their family, friends, and especially caregivers. Cancer Support Community North Texas (CSCNT) is spotlighting this often-overlooked reality: When someone receives a cancer diagnosis, their caregiver and family receives a mental health burden of their own.
According to the 2025 Texas Cancer Registry, approximately 50,000 new cancer cases are expected to be diagnosed in North Texas alone. That means tens of thousands more Texans – spouses, parents, siblings, adult children, and friends – will be stepping into caregiver roles, often without preparation or support.
“Caregivers and family members experience anxiety, fear, depression, and deep fatigue right alongside their loved ones,” says Mirchelle Louis, CEO of Cancer Support Community North Texas. “The emotional toll is real, and unless we recognize and support caregivers as part of the cancer care team, we risk caregiver burnout and an unaddressed ripple effect that affects not just the patient, but the many people who love and care for them.”
“A caregiver needs support,” says Lynn Lehman, whose wife, Julie, is navigating adrenal gland cancer. “It’s a big deal to lose a loved one or to have them suffer. To participate in support groups and have someone say ‘that’s terrible, I’m so sorry this is happening’ and just listen is so important. Cancer Support Community North Texas also helps me manage my anxiety through mindfulness and yoga classes, the Write to Heal class and individual counseling. I count on them for support.”
4 Mental Health Tips for Caregivers
Louis and CSCNT encourage caregivers to prioritize their own mental well-being. Here are a few simple, important steps:
- Join a caregiver-specific support group – Talking with others in similar situations can ease feelings of isolation and offer practical advice, as well as offer time away from the day-to-day caregiving needs.
- Schedule restorative breaks – Even short moments of personal time – whether a walk, meditation, or coffee with a friend — can help you reset emotionally. Build them into your schedule and routine.
- Journal your feelings – While time for counseling or therapy may not always be doable, journaling feelings can reduce stress and help you process the emotional complexities of caregiving.
- Prioritize your physical health – Daily movement such as short walks outside, healthy food, and as much rest as possible are essential to maintain mental and physical health. If you burn out, you can’t provide the care your loved one needs.
CSCNT offers emotional and social support services at no cost – thanks to generous supporters – not only for cancer patients, but also for caregivers navigating the complexities of a loved one’s diagnosis. This includes a weekly virtual Friends & Family Support Group, short-term individual counseling, and a variety of other classes and services.
“We want caregivers to know they’re not alone,” Louis adds. “We see you. We hear you. And we’re here to support your mental health, just as much as the person you’re caring for.”