The Psychological Toll of Surviving Breast Cancer
In honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, it is essential for us to acknowledge how surviving breast cancer can take a toll on one’s mental state. A breast cancer diagnosis leads to an inevitable shift in both your physical and psychological health. Even long after the cancer has gone into remission, many still report symptoms of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder and have trouble returning to everyday life. In this post, we will honor those who have fought breast cancer and acknowledge the psychological side of this disease that often goes unspoken.
Receiving a breast cancer diagnosis can be one of the most distressing moments of a person's life.
It is not uncommon to experience feelings of anger, sadness, fear, and disbelief. Common psychological conditions associated with breast cancer include Major Depressive Disorder, Generalized Anxiety Disorder, and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Many women also report experiencing feelings of survivor’s guilt and fears of recurrence. Research suggests breast cancer survivors are at an increased risk for anxiety, depression, sleep disturbances, suicidal thoughts, and other serious mental health issues. There is no correct way to feel when faced with a traumatic life event. However, finding ways to cope and care for yourself can significantly impact your interpersonal relationships, physical health, and ability to move forward.
Addressing mental health can have a real impact on physical, treatment outcomes.
Breast cancer patients and survivors with preexisting mental illness(es) or signs of psychological distress should be extra watchful and attentive to their mental health. In fact, research suggests that taking care of your mental health can actually improve cancer treatment outcomes. Conversely, studies have shown that survivors who have prior trauma are at an increased risk for chronic pain, and women with depression are at a greater risk for adverse treatment outcomes and recurrence.
Get the Support You Need
If you or someone you know is having trouble managing their emotions during this time, help and resources are available. There are many different psychological interventions for those impacted by breast cancer and other traumatic health events. Whether it be finding a safe space in a support group, talking out your emotions with a therapist, or starting a new medication, staying on top of your mental health should be a priority.
Where to turn for additional resources and support:
Breastcancer.org - community support resources that help people make sense of the complex medical and personal information about breast health and breast cancer
Nationalbreastcancer.org - education and support services for breast cancer patients and women in general
Cancercare.org - free emotional and practical support for people with cancer, caregivers, loved ones and the bereaved, including counseling, workshops, and financial assistance
Abcdbreastcancersupport.org - customized, one-on-one breast cancer support provided by fellow mentors/survivors, for anyone affected by the disease
Surviving breast cancer can have a profound impact on how one views themselves and the world around them. Remember to exercise self-compassion and kindness. You have gone through the unimaginable. You are not alone in your fight, and asking for help is a sign of strength.
