Our
discussion this week was linked to Mental Health Awareness Week ~ we asked:
what are the things that have helped build our mental flexibility and
psychological well-being post diagnosis, and how have they benefited us?
Seeking
help to support our psychological well-being involved many pathways: from
mindfulness meditation, exercise, yoga, CBT, acupuncture, reflexology,
hypnotherapy as well as anti-depressants…. Naz told us that there is a whole
diverse literature emerging, though sparse evidence has substantiated the
effectiveness of complementary therapies.
Importantly,
the mechanisms by which they work are unknown, partly explaining why we haven’t
been able to develop more targeted interventions. We do know that exercise
releases feel-good hormones and the link between mind and body isn’t under
dispute.
The
majority of those who took part in our discussion had sought support for their
mental health and general well-being in some shape or form, and many have taken
up new challenges and hobbies. Strong themes of taking control of health and
fitness, peace of mind and well-being emerged, although with modification as
many of us find ourselves unable to pick up where we left off at diagnosis in
terms of demanding jobs and stressful lifestyles.
Fatigue
is an issue for so many, and limits energy and often the enthusiasm for high
maintenance mental and physical regimes. As the trauma of a breast cancer
diagnosis leads to a reassessment of priorities, so a measure of balance is
often preferred to being over-busy. Learning to relax, rest, and perhaps
meditate, is a huge challenge in our driven high-achieving superwoman society.
The strongest message coming from the discussion is the desire to find what
works, and to draw mental strength from it.
A
common story from our women is that while in active treatment they were coping
well, moving from appointment to appointment, dealing with harsh side effects
and adjusting to the fact of their diagnosis. Some worked through treatment as
a distraction, others took time off, and for most it was just a case of getting
through it. Once active treatment has finished and there is time for
reflection, many women find themselves unhinged and vulnerable, unsure of
themselves and their capabilities. Physical changes, mental fog, an uncertain
future – all contribute to a particular type of post-traumatic stress.
Our
wonderful women have found, or are finding their way through all of this, and
their strategies are as diverse and unique as they are. They run and write
poetry, they meditate and try hypnotherapy, they learn mindfulness and create
with glass. They take up dancing, learn to swim, have a go at art therapy, try
yoga, Nordic walking or join a choir. They make jewellery, care for their
children, or grandchildren, they walk in nature, read a book, write a book.
Many of us described experiencing anxiety, low mood and some of us depression,
and while medication has its place, it is interesting to note how many women
were determined to deal with it by other means than medication.
Counselling
is a popular choice, though some of us had found it hard to access appropriate
services. It was valued most when available via Macmillan or support centres
and many found it helpful to have an objective space in which to process their
feelings and come to terms with their experiences. It’s common not to want to
share everything with friends and family for fear of upsetting them, and of
course groups such as ours come into their own here too. Our discussion
included women with primary and secondary diagnoses, and an important factor
for our members with secondary breast cancer is to find activities which allow
them to live their lives without being constantly reminded about cancer. We all
relish ordinary stuff like hanging out with friends and family as well as
seeking support from specialist organisations.
What
shines through our discussion is our determination and grit, our desire to find
a new normal after diagnosis and to live each day as well as we can.
If
you are a woman living in the UK with a diagnosis of breast cancer and you
would like to join our private group, please contact is by facebook message https://www.facebook.com/resilienceinbreastcancer/
#ResilienceDiscussion
With
thanks to Marie for her lovely photo!
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