Kimberly Mondezie, LPC, LSTAP, CSAC, CRC
This is the beginning of the anxiety. As you wait for the results of your biopsy the anxiety builds. Then you heard the word, “I’m sorry, it’s cancer.”
This is the point where many Cancer survivors will tell you that time stopped for them. Each day after their diagnosis is a wave of emotions: anxiety, depression, fear, anticipation. All of these emotions are common for anyone that has heard these words including myself. As a Cancer survivor and Mental Health Therapist I have experienced all of these emotions.
Even in the midst of our diagnoses and treatments it is important to focus on your mental health. Research into mental health and breast cancer has identified several mental health issues including Major Depressive Disorder, Anxiety/Panic Disorder and Posttraumatic Stress Disorder.
Major Depressive Disorder (MDD): Symptoms include sadness, loss in activities in which you take pleasure, sleeping too much or not enough, feelings of worthlessness or hopelessness.
Panic Disorder: Unexpected panic attacks with worries about having another, fear about the future
Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD): nightmares or flashbacks, trouble sleeping, intense fear, taking steps to avoid the traumatic event, negative thinking patterns.
While Anxiety and Depression being more common not only in society, it might perfectly describe how you feel. What may be scary or concerning is PTSD. Research conducted by BreastCancer.org found that 80% of women have symptoms of PTSD after their diagnosis.
What does this mean? It simply means that it is important for us to take care of mental health as much it is to adhere to our cancer treatment plans. Seeing a therapist/counselor is one way to address your mental health. Having a cancer diagnosis can be too heavy for you to carry and process on your own. Below you will find several websites and resources to help you.
Resources:
www.psychologytoday.com: This website will help you search for mental health providers in your area by zip code and by the type of insurance you have.
www.betterhealth.com: This is a online therapy service
www.7cups.com: This online services provides both licensed mental health professionals and volunteers who serve as listeners.
James Morrison, DSM-5 Made East (The Guilford Press, 2014), 122-123, 176-177, 219-220
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