Receiving a breast cancer diagnosis, or learning that you are at an increased risk for developing the disease, can be one of the most distressing events a person will ever experience, according to the American Psychological Association. Suffering from the disease – and undergoing necessary treatment – can have a negative impact on a person’s physical and mental well-being. But having an increased awareness of how, why, and when breast cancer can pose challenges to a person’s mental well-being, may lead to better overall health and outcomes for survivors.
Why Does Breast Cancer Effect Mental Health
While experiencing feelings of stress, sadness, fear, and uncertainty are normal emotional reactions to being diagnosed with breast cancer, addressing mental health concerns when they arise, can help to reduce the negative impact on a person’s quality of day-to-day life and even reduce the risk of disruptions to cancer treatment. Understanding the importance of the mind body connection while fighting breast cancer, and seeking help and support early, are important tools to help a person successfully navigate the process.
According to the National Cancer Institute: “An estimated 310,270 women and 2,790 men in the United States will learn that they have breast cancer in 2024. Because many of them have no family history of breast cancer or other known risk factors, the diagnosis often comes as a devastating surprise. The emotional turmoil that follows can affect a patient’s physical health and psychological well-being.”
Seeking the support of loved ones, practicing self-care, and maintaining healthy habits can help to mitigate the initial shock and emotional upheaval brought on by a diagnosis. There are a variety of well-being resources available for those living with – and impacted by – breast cancer, including:
- American Cancer Society’s Reach to Recovery program, which connects participants with breast cancer survivors for one-on-one support
- The Cancer Support Community’s Support Line at (888) 793-9355
- The Susan G. Komen Breast Care Helpline at (877) 465-6636 or emailing helpline@komen.org
- Calling 211 or visiting https://211la.org for linkage to breast cancer support groups, supportive services, and other resources
The following self-care practices can also improve overall well-being:
- Practicing mindfulness through mediation and gentle yoga
- Maintaining or developing healthy sleeping and eating habits
- Journaling to keep a record of – and increase awareness of – your emotional state
- Building and continuing social connections to family, friends, and you communities
- Finding healthy outlets for stress
- Regularly talking with your healthcare providers about your mental well-being
When to Seek Psychological Treatment
According to the American Cancer Society: “Distress typically continues even after the initial shock of a breast cancer diagnosis has passed. As patients begin what is often a lengthy treatment process, they may find themselves faced with new problems. They may find their personal relationships in turmoil, for instance. They may feel exhausted and be very worried about their symptoms, treatment, and mortality. They may face discrimination from employers or insurance companies. Factors like these can lead to chronic stress, anxiety, and depression.”
It Is therefore important to consider seeking psychological treatment, if you or a loved one is experiencing the following symptoms while dealing breast with cancer:
- Feeling very sad or constantly stressed out or anxious
- Having a lack of joy or interest in activities normally enjoyed
- An increase in aches and pains, including headaches and stomachaches
- Changes in eating habits or appetite that result in weight loss or gain
- Difficulty falling or staying asleep, or the inability to get out of bed because of a lack of energy (not because of breast cancer treatment side effects)
- Difficulty concentrating or focusing
- Using alcohol or drugs to reduce stress
How Psychological Treatment Can Help
Finding the right mental health care provider, such as a licensed psychologist or psychiatrist, can help breast cancer patients start to adjust to the new demands of dealing with their cancer diagnosis, including:
- Coping with the physical, emotional and lifestyle changes
- Navigating treatments that can be painful and traumatic
- Explaining the illness to children
- Dealing with a partner’s response and the stress on their relationships
Mental health practitioners will communicate with a patient’s oncologist, to help come up with the best treatment plan for them to control stress, anxiety, and depression. By teaching patients problem-solving strategies in a supportive environment, mental health practitioners help those diagnosed work through their grief, fear, and other emotions. With the help of these health care providers, for many people, this life-threatening crisis eventually results in life-enhancing personal growth.
Meet the Practice: At Embrace Psychiatric Wellness Center, our team of mental health professionals has the skills and experience to help adults who are struggling with breast cancer. We often use a combination of treatments to achieve the best results. To learn more about us and how we may be able to serve you, contact one of our offices conveniently located in Westfield and Wall Township, NJ, at 908-923-3483.
