Why is Psychosocial Care Important?

Our workshops and other “low-intensity” supports

Research shows that low-intensity support programs—like the psychosocial workshops offered by Look Good Feel Better —can help with depression and anxiety in everyday life. A study published by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) on September 11, 2023, found that these kinds of low-intensity approaches can make a real difference for people with long-term health conditions, especially when part of a team-based care plan.

This is why so many cancer care teams recommend Look Good Feel Better to their patients.

Studies show that psychological distress that patients experience when going through medical treatment (even when it is mild) can escalate into more severe anxiety and depression if not addressed early. (Carlson et al., 2010)

Our workshops provide both practical guidance and emotional support, empowering people facing cancer with the tools they need to care for themselves with confidence and dignity. This proactive support helps people manage emotional responses before they worsen.

Empowering Self-Management and Control

Through hands-on guidance and connection with others, many of our workshop attendees regain a sense of control during an overwhelming time. This meaningful form of supportive care helps foster resilience and promotes positive mental wellbeing.

When people participate in supportive interventions, it increases their sense of agency and perception of control – and both of these protect against emotional deterioration during long-term illness and medical care. Feeling more in control during cancer treatment is strongly linked to improved psychological outcomes. 

Accessible and Less Stigmatizing

Low intensity supports, like Look Good Feel Better workshops, feel more accessible and acceptable to people who may hesitate to seek more formal mental health. (Anderson et al., 2014). This encourages great participation among people who may otherwise avoid asking for or seeking help. These low-intensity options for people with mild distress also helps reduce the demand for specialised mental health services, reducing the overall burden on healthcare. (Bower & Gilbody, 2005).