Content Overview 
- Schedule tests to get results soonest
- Use relaxation techniques.
- Keep busy.
- Use your mind to reframe what is happening
- Keep a balance In your life.
- Use whatever techniques helped get you through past stressful periods
- Include activities that make you feel good.
- Include activities that keep your attention.
- Take advantage of your support systems.
- Research your condition if it helps.
- Take care of yourself. Talk to your doctor if you need help sleeping.
- Enlist the help of a higher power.
- Live In the moment.
- Ask that you be given test results as soon as possible
- Exercise.
- Listen to soothing music either under the guidance of a therapist or on your own
- Try to think positively. Recognize negative thoughts and try to change them.
- Don't make rash decisions or open the spending spigot irrationally.
- Watch for signs of depression.
- Keep In mind that symptoms and side effects such as pain, fatigue and nausea can be controlled.
How To Cope With Waiting For An Appointment Or Test Results
Take advantage of your support systems.
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Engage in activities with friends and family or even co-workers. It doesn't matter whether it's a simple phone call or a day doing an activity together.
Share your concerns with friends and/or family. Let them know you may be jumpy or nervous. You may have a short temper.
If anxiety becomes difficult to live with, consider contacting a mental health worker such as a psychiatrist, psychologist or social worker, your clergy person or other spiritual advisor.
If you aren't in a support group, consider joining one, even if it is just for the short term. Coping with waiting is one of the many subjects appropriate for discussion in a support group. You don't have to stay with the group long term. There are all types of support groups that meet at all sorts of times. You no longer have to be face-to-face. You can join a group online or on the telephone. (To learn about support groups, click here.)
In addition to expressing your concerns, when you're with friends or family, stay connected to their lives. Be sure to ask what is happening in the life of the people you care about - and listen to the response. If their concerns seem minor compared to yours, that doesn't mean they are any less important to them.
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Mental Health Professionals