Coping With Breast Cancer

Finding out have breast cancer is emotionally devastating. Whatever your initial feelings are, you will most likely go on to experience many different emotions over time. 

Coping with a diagnosis of breast cancer

How you feel when you’re diagnosed with breast cancer is an individual thing. Some women might feel frightened about what the future holds for them, while others may feel shocked, angry, or even relieved that cancer has been found and is going to be treated. There’s no list of right or wrong, good or bad feelings and no order you must have them in.

Managing anxiety

It is perfectly natural to be anxious when you’re coping with a potentially life-threatening illness. Anxiety can have many physical and emotional effects, from making you feel irritable to loss of appetite where you stop eating or you have trouble sleeping.

Feeling low or depressed?

If negative thoughts are interfering with your life and they are not going away or they keep coming back, it could be a sign of depression. Depression is a common condition and can occur at any time during your diagnosis, treatment or after treatment has finished. There are various treatments available for depression including natural remedies. Consult with your healthcare practitioner to see what treatment is best for you. 

Finding support

There are many ways to find help to cope with the emotional impact of breast cancer. Friends and family can offer support, you could speak to your healthcare practitioner or hospital team, or you could try breast cancer programme offered at a community health centre, clinic or a hospital in your area.

Help from friends and family

Don't be afraid to ask for support from those who care about you. It can help to talk about your feelings and try not to distance yourself from people. Talk to other women affected by breast cancer. You can even start your own support group. For some women, talking to others who are in a similar situation can help to reduce feelings of anxiety, isolation or fear. 

Taking care of your well being

Regular physical activity has many health benefits and helps to improve your mood and reduce anxiety and depression. Eating a plant-based diet and getting enough sleep could help you to cope better with stress. Some women try complementary therapies, such as aromatherapy or massage, alongside their conventional medical treatment.

Cancer changes your sense of self and your future. Grief is a normal process as you begin to develop ways to cope with your illness. Our emotions and mental health need care, just like our physical health need care.

Sherldine Tomlinson, MSc, R.Kin