According to the NCI, approximately 230,000 women in the US are diagnosed with breast cancer each year. The news of diagnosis can be devastating and can impact women’s physical and psychological well-being.
Both physical and mental therapies should be included in breast cancer treatment. When combined, both forms of treatment can help women heal. Below is an overview about how breast cancer affects mental health if you or a loved one has been diagnosed.
Impact of Breast Cancer on Mental Health
Receiving a breast cancer diagnosis is a distressing event. Unfortunately, a large percentage of women don’t know where to turn to seek help. Typically, distress continues long after the initial shock.
Some of the effects of the diagnosis can involve feeling tired all the time, negative impacts on relationships, and/or a constant worry about ongoing treatment and the future.
Moreover, factors like anxiety, depression, and chronic stress contribute to an overall negative mental state.
Treatment and Side Effects Can Affect Mood
Although necessary, treatment often comes with side effects that can take a toll on physical and mental health. These include memory changes, insomnia, and mood swings. Depending on the treatment, this can be because of severe changes in hormones that influence weight and overall emotions.
These side effects of breast cancer treatment continue if post-traumatic stress disorder triggers emotions at certain stages during treatment. It is important to keep in mind that such feelings are normal, and it is always better to ask for help.
Effects of Mental Health on Physical Health
Mental illness due to breast cancer not only causes distress to patients but also impacts physical health, increasing mortality risk. If you have a pre-existing mental health condition, receiving a breast cancer diagnosis can make it even more difficult to cope.
Many studies show that women with a history of stress or depression are at a higher risk of mortality from cancer, and this risk doubles in elderly women. According to the American Psychological Association, breast cancer is a traumatic event, and having a range of emotional reactions after diagnosis is normal.
However, research shows that females with breast cancer can decrease the risk of recurrence if they get mental health support.
Seeking Support of a Therapist for a Breast Cancer Diagnosis
If you have breast cancer, consider talking to a therapist in addition to physical treatment. A mental health professional can help you deal with symptoms, along with any negative feelings you experience during treatment. The APA recommends patients take a combination of individual and group therapy. It allows women to seek emotional support from peers and develop problem-solving skills to keep negative thinking at bay.
Summing Up
Although breast cancer can seem like a life-ending sentence, it is treatable with the right type of therapy for both body and mind. Remember to stay strong and that there will always be other women and healthcare professionals to help get you through the disease.
Links
https://www.verywellhealth.com/the-psychological-impact-of-a-breast-cancer-diagnosis-430338
https://www.youngsurvival.org/learn/living-with-breast-cancer/quality-of-life/mental-health