Mental Health Care Helps Cancer Patient in Kazakhstan Recover

In November 2019, Sania* was diagnosed with intestinal cancer during a routine screening with her local doctor in Kazakhstan. What began as any other regular day, quickly became filled with fear.  

“When I left the [State Cancer Center in Almaty City], I literally got lost,” Sania remembered. “I couldn’t even find a bus stop and was wandering down the street aimlessly. I sat down and started to cry.”

As the sole caregiver for her severely disabled son, she worried about being able to care for him while also completing her own treatment. All in all, Sania had to undergo seven surgeries and attend numerous clinic visits for chemotherapy.  

Before her last surgery in 2023, her son passed away. The grief nearly crushed her.  

Fortunately, a psychologist at the oncology clinic recognized her struggle and referred her to Partners In Health’s (PIH’s) mental health program.

“I was depressed and didn’t even have the strength to live,” Sania said. “The psychologist at the clinic literally led me by the hand to the PIH mental health team.”

PIH launched the mental health program in Kazakhstan in January 2020 to provide free, comprehensive mental health care to patients, particularly those with difficult diagnoses such as tuberculosis or cancer. The program was established with the support of the Many Voices Collaborative in Community-Based Mental Health Care, a cross-site initiative that began in 2018 to support the development of mental health services across the countries where PIH works.

During her first visit, Sania spent two hours with the psychologist—discussing the mental health program, asking each other questions, and talking. She remembers feeling relieved after that first appointment and decided she would visit again. Despite interruptions from her cancer treatment, Sania continued to participate in therapy with PIH regularly.

“I felt much better after each visit,” Sania shared. “The PIH mental health staff are very attentive and listen to people carefully. I regained interest in my life, and it wasn’t just me who noticed. Everyone around me noticed that I had perked up.”  

The mental health program taught Sania a variety of techniques to help manage her emotions. From breathing techniques to journaling, she found ways to work through challenging memories and recurring negative thoughts. She still uses these techniques daily when she feels overwhelmed.  

“Before my last surgery, my blood pressure jumped to 210 and the doctors wanted to postpone the operation,” Sania said. “I asked the doctors to give me some time and I began to meditate and gradually calmed myself down. When the doctors measured my blood pressure again, they were surprised my blood pressure had dropped to 140 and they took me to the operating room.”  

Before her experience with the mental health program, Sania viewed therapy as “just another chatter” and didn’t believe it would help her in any way. Now, she believes words, like medicine, can heal.

Sania’s health has improved significantly. Since May, she has officially been cancer-free, and her blood pressure has returned to normal.  

“Looking back, I understand that I have come a long way, accomplished the impossible,” Sania said. “I would advise others who receive similar diagnoses not to lose heart. Go where you will be helped. There are people who will help you.”

*Patient gave permission to use first name only