This is your Member Reference Number (MRN). You’ll need to provide this when you make an appointment with an EAP counselor or contact your EAP by phone.

Anthem provides automatic translation into multiple languages, courtesy of Google Translate. This tool is provided for your convenience only. The English language version is considered the most accurate, and in the event of a discrepancy between the translations, the English version will prevail. This translation tool is not controlled by Anthem, and the Anthem Privacy Statement will not apply. Please read Google's privacy statement. If you want Google to translate the Anthem website, select a language.

When a Parent Has Cancer: Taking Care Of Yourself—Teens

It's important to stay fit—both inside and out. This article offers tips to help you keep on track during this experience.

Dealing with stress.

Stress can make you forgetful, frustrated, and more likely to catch a cold or the flu. Here are some tips that have helped other teens manage stress. Pick one or two things to do each week.

Take care of your mind and body.

Stay connected.

  • Spend some time at a friend's house.
  • Stay involved with sports or clubs.

Relax and get enough sleep.

  • Take breaks. You'll have more energy and be in a better frame of mind.
  • Get at least 8 hours of sleep each night.
  • Pray or meditate.
  • Make or listen to music.

Help others.

  • Join a walk against cancer.
  • Plan a bake sale or other charity event to collect money to fight cancer.

Avoid risky behaviors.

Stay away from smoking, drinking, and taking drugs.

Put your creative side to work.

  • Keep a journal to write down your thoughts and experiences.
  • Draw, paint, or take photographs.
  • Read about people who have made it through difficult experiences in life. Learn what helped them.

Eat and drink well.

  • Drink plenty of water each day.
  • In the evening, switch to caffeine-free drinks that won't keep you awake.
  • Grab fresh fruit, whole-grain breads, and lean meats, like chicken or turkey, when you have a choice.
  • Avoid sugary foods.

Be active.

  • Play a sport, or go for a walk or run.
  • Learn about different stretching and breathing exercises.

Take steps to keep things simple.

Staying organized can also keep your stress level under control. Here are some tips to get you started.

At Home

  • Make a list of things you want to do, and put the most important ones at the top.
  • Make a big calendar to help your family stay on top of things.

At School

  • Try to get as much done in school as you can.
  • Let your teachers know what's happening at home, without using it as an excuse.
  • Talk to your teachers or a counselor if you are falling behind.

National Cancer Institute. (2012, February). Taking care of yourself (p.31). In When your parent has cancer: A guide for teens (Chapter 6). Retrieved February 2, 2015, from http://www.cancer.gov

More about this Topics

  • Toxic Positivity

  • Coping with Crime Victimization

  • Helping Someone You Love Who Has Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

  • Planning Your Own Funeral

  • Maintain a Healthy State of Mind: Middle School Students

Other Topics

    • What Terminal Patients Really Want
    • Bereavement: Coping with Loss
    • Self-Care: Remaining Resilient
    • Virtual Roundtable Running The Covid Battle Strategies For Our Medical Heroes
    • Understanding Resilience
    • Navigating Through Grief and Loss
    • Anniversary Reactions
    • Maintaining Caution During the COVID-19 Pandemic
    • Unexpected Death and COVID-19
    • Managing Grief After Disaster (Part 3)
    • Choices for Care When Treatment May Not Be an Option