A rose is a symbol of tenderness, concern, and of course love. World Rose Day is celebrated worldwide on September 22 to show love and support to the people who are fighting cancer. What can be compared to give someone a ray of hope and appreciation for their bravery? Hence, people from all over the world celebrate this day to honor their bravery against cancer. One needs immense mental and physical strength to start their journey against cancer. Apart from the physiological implications, cancer can cause a big mess in anyone’s mental health. Not just the patient but the families, friends and loved ones may face anxiety, stress, and depression. Meanwhile, it is not that easy to always stay strong and ignore overthinking. Therefore, fighting cancer becomes mentally exhausting as well.
On this day, people send roses, cards, or meaningful gifts to the cancer warriors. The main aim is to support and celebrate them and their bravery. For that, people organize special events to give strength to these fighters. Along with it, this day helps to spread awareness about the early identification and prevention of this disease. Similarly, an awareness program on Rose Day also makes normal people aware of cancer and its causes.
Cancer and mental health
Cancer does not only affect the body but the mind as well. The ride can be no less than an emotional roller coaster. And people start experiencing lots of emotional changes during this phase. Finding out about having cancer can make a huge impact on the patient itself. Along with that, their family or friends go through the same emotion and fights. However, the anxiety, depression at this period is normal but many people with cancer are never told that they might develop a mental health condition. According to studies, up to one-third of individuals treated for cancer in hospitals have common psychological state conditions.
Cancer fight requires lots of time and money. Similarly, cancer, depression, and anxiety share some common symptoms like lack of sleep, fatigue, etc. However, in such situations, many patients see their mental health as less of a concern. And this might worsen the situation for the patient. Even many professionals have answered that mental health treatment can improve survival rates too. Similarly, studies also state that patience dealing with mental illness might have a lower chance of survival after a cancer diagnosis. Therefore, it is necessary to have enough of a look at a patient’s mental health. Depression, anxiety is understandable and curable. There should also be enough awareness for the patient so that they should feel no hesitation while talking about it.
The significance of Rose day
However, Rose day is celebrated in remembrance of a very brave young girl Melinda Rose for Canada. Rose was diagnosed with Askin’s Tumor, a very rare form of blood cancer. The doctors declared that she only has a few weeks in her hands. But this little fighter was not like any other common person. She was full of joy, positivity, and a fighting soul. And with her undying spirit, Rose made weeks to months. Although Rose lived a few months, she made those days a forever journey. She lived every day with the same spirit and joy. Well, that was not it. In her fighting days, Rose spent her time cheering other cancer patients. She would write letters, e-mail, poems for those people and encourage them to fight. Rose not only fought her battle but also taught others to face it. And in this way, that little fighter from Canada touched many people’s lives through her positive spirit.
Smile for them, smile with them
Someone has beautifully said that one can either be a victim of cancer or a survivor. Rose chose the second option and became an inspiration to many. And to celebrate what Rose did, the people around the world continue to send roses and cards to cancer patients on this day. This day holds so much importance and significance. However, everyone is aware of the fact that the journey with cancer is nowhere easy. From negligence to lack of mental support, a cancer patient may need to face many harsh situations. They already fight a battle of their own and the negative people make it worse for them. In this situation, a voice of kindness, a card of love, or at least a flower can give them more strength to fight the disease. Melinda Rose showed everyone that life does not always need to belong to inspire others. If someone wishes to bring a smile to someone’s face or be the reason they feel better; they can do it in a small period.
