Living Well

No matter how you feel about your brain tumor diagnosis, it’s important to live your life as best as you can. Here are some common symptoms that can make things tough, along with helpful advice.   

For more support please see www.brainstrust.org.uk or www.thebraintumourcharity.org

Fatigue/tiredness is one of the most frequent and distressing problems described. 
Braintrust – fatigue  
The Brain Tumour Charity- – fatigue and brain tumours
Exercise improves strength, fitness, mood and general wellbeing. 
Braintrust – Exercise  
The Brain Tumour Charity – Benefits of Exercise
Behaviour and personality change – Brain tumours can cause changes in behaviour and personality which may be distressing for you whether you’re a patient or a caregiver.  Understanding what is happening and how to deal with it will make a difference for you in coping with this difficult situation. 
Braintrust – Managing behavious and personality change  
– The Brain Tumour Charity – Brain tumour personality changes
Managing epilepsy and seizures – Any disturbance within the brain can trigger onset of epilepsy symptoms and seizures. This may happen with some brain tumours. 
Braintrust – Epilepsy  
– The Brain Tumour – Brain tumour seizure and epilepsy
Psychological support for patients and caregivers is available from different sources around Scotland. It is important you discuss this with your local team to find out what can be offered to support you in your area.  In addition, the brain tumour charities may be able to help you directly.   
Braintrust – Counselling support for brain tumour patients and their caregivers  
– The Brain Tumour Charity – Free counselling
Hypnotherapy is useful in improving well-being in the following areas:  
Anxiety and stress  
Diet and lifestyle  
Resilience and self esteem  
Pre and post-operative care  
Pain management  
Reduction in side effects from treatments.  
Braintrust – Hypnotherapy for brain tumour patients and their caregivers 
The following link explains how to practice mindfulness and find ways to find a sanctuary – Braintrust – Mindfulness  
Patients often ask for counselling when coaching is a more appropriate intervention. Information on coaching and how it helps and how to access bespoke one to one coaching is available through Braintrust.
Braintrust – Coaching