Living Well With a Brain Tumor: Strategies for Emotional Wellness

Emotional changes are common for people living with a brain tumor. You may notice feelings such as grief, anxiety, low mood, or worry about treatment and the future. These emotions can come and go and may be related to the stress of diagnosis and treatment, as well as to the tumor’s direct effects on the brain. While these experiences are common, it is not always easy to find clear, practical support for managing them. 

This booklet offers evidence-based strategies and practical ideas developed through a collaborative effort between UCSF Neurocognitive Services and the UCSF Patient Education Sheet Thriver Advisors (PESTAs). We are deeply grateful to all who generously contributed their insight, time, and dedication. This resource would not have been possible without their commitment to supporting emotional well-being in our community. 

Each section focuses on a specific emotional experience, such as anxiety, depression, uncertainty, changes in identity, and relationship challenges, and includes tools you can try in your daily life. You can move through this booklet in any order and at your own pace, focusing on what feels most relevant to you right now.