A diagnosis of breast cancer affects more than your physical health, it also takes a tremendous toll on your mental and emotional well-being.
In fact, research published in the journal Cancer found that virtually all of the newly diagnosed breast cancer patients studied reported that they experienced some level of emotional distress before beginning cancer treatment.
Additionally, almost half of the women studied were found to have clinically significant emotional distress or symptoms of psychiatric disorders.
Living with breast cancer can seem overwhelming and the need for support from family, friends, and medical professionals will be an important part of your coping mechanisms to lessen anxiety, psychological distress, depression and feelings of anger.
Informational, emotional, and practical support will be needed to help you at various times during your diagnosis, treatment and recovery. The Resources are available to provide assistance. Check with your local and national advocacy groups that offer information about coping with cancer. This will allow you to develop and be in communication with your support network, and choosing hotlines and live support groups.
You can find support from the sisterhood of other women who are working their way through various stages of breast cancer. This invaluable support can often offer validation, hope, and the knowledge that you are not alone.
Sharing your experience with another woman who has dealt with breast cancer or who is currently in a similar situation can often help you understand and process your own emotional responses. Sharing your thoughts with a breast cancer survivor may also help you overcome the initial difficulty of acknowledging your personal feelings and emotions.
Breast cancer will also affect your family and friends. The ability to personally acknowledge your feelings will help you to share them with your family and friends. Your husband or partner and children may experience intense emotions, fears, anxiety and often helplessness.
The more you are able to share your feelings and needs with your family and friends, the easier it may be for them to provide the emotional support you deserve. Open support and communication, as well as understanding and patience, are important tools for coping with breast cancer. It is always important to recognize that many of your friends and loved ones may wish to help but may not know how. Give them the opportunity. Do not hesitate to ask for their help with even the simplest tasks.
One important point: while emotional and practical support can come from a range of sources, informational support is best provided by medical professionals. When you need information to better understand facts about your diagnosis, treatment options, and what to expect during your treatment and recovery, talk to your team of medical specialists. This professional resource will help to ensure that the information you receive is medically-based and specific to your personal needs.
Author Resource:-
Dave Stringham, the President of LookingYourBest.com writes about plastic surgery in Irvine, California, and plastic surgery procedures like Irvine breast cancer, laser hair removal, liposuction, facial rejuvenation, nose job, tummy tuck, and ear pinning.
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