IF YOU READ THIS BLOG, DO NOT FEEL BAD FOR ME - ALL INFORMATION HAS BEEN WRITTEN AFTER I HAVE WORKED THROUGH IT AND/OR AM FULLY AWARE OF IT AND MAINTAINED SUPPORT FOR IT.
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PLEASE READ THIS TO UNDERSTAND HOW OTHERS ARE FEELING!
As someone who has experienced the cancer journey and works as a counselor, I have seen firsthand the significant mental effects cancer has from diagnosis to recovery.
Many people don't realize that the mental impact of non-terminal cancer can be more severe than the physical effects. During breast cancer treatment, a longtime friend shared on Facebook that she watched a movie where a mother passed away from breast cancer, leaving the family alone. Although she had been cleared by the doctors, she mentioned that she cried while watching the movie and expressed gratitude and fear that she was still going to die this way.
To many, cancer awareness campaigns are a wonderful idea, and most cancer patients agree, but cancer advertising has become normalized in that it can impact those who have or have had cancer.
Football players wear pink to support breast cancer research, billboards promote treatment centers, and television is full of medical ads. This constant exposure can trigger fear and emotional distress for those who had or have cancer. Even doctors often prioritize the physical problems of cancer, overlooking the emotional impact. They need specific training, as many cancer diagnoses are delivered without empathy or emotional concern for patients.
When diagnosed with cancer, you're suddenly aware of its prevalence in society. While the focus on cancer is understandable, I've rarely heard about the potential PTSD effects on patients. As a PTSD therapist, I notice similar reactions in cancer patients and veterans. Based on my experiences and conversations with others, these issues seem common.
Cancer diagnosis = traumatic impact.
Define trauma –
- A serious injury or shock to the body, as from violence or an accident.
- An emotional wound or shock that causes substantial, lasting damage to a person's psychological development often leads to neurosis.
- An event or situation that causes significant distress and disruption.
I think being told you have cancer fits this definition all too well.
TRUAMA SYMPTOMS WITH CANCER
Flashbacks are where trauma is relived for minutes or days –
There are times I am just going along with my day, and I see an ad for colon cancer, and for a split second or two, I flashback to the moment the Doctor told me I had cancer, as my stomach simply dropped out of sight. It feels like you get an emotional sucker punch, and then you have to walk it off as you get back to your day, as much as you can. Smells and sounds can trigger thoughts of treatment! One has to ground oneself in the here and now, but it is still unsettling.
Trouble sleeping –
Disturbing dreams related to traumatic events can lead to insomnia, as individuals may not want to spend time sleeping. During my cancer experience, I frequently lost sleep thinking about my family. When I fell asleep, cancer often infiltrated my dreams and thoughts. Many years later, these dreams still occasionally recur.
Avoidance: Trying to avoid thinking or talking about the traumatic event
Even after 16 years, sometimes hearing the word cancer or seeing anything pink can still be triggering. I have learned to focus on other aspects of life and distract myself from past trauma. The thought of visiting family in hospitals still requires me to take a deep breath and ground myself.
Feeling emotionally numb.
Occasionally, after diagnosis and often during treatment, I felt a lack of emotion. It can seem that everything previously hoped for or planned has been disrupted, at least temporarily. This experience altered my thoughts and plans from that day forward.
Avoiding activities you once enjoyed
I previously enjoyed fishing trips and work travel as personal time. After being diagnosed with cancer, I chose to avoid activities that would reduce family time. It became important to create memories with my family due to concerns about mortality and the potential loss of shared time.
Hopelessness - about the future
Receiving a cancer diagnosis can alter one's perception of the future. For three years, I paused many aspects of my life and focused on creating memories. With support, I realized the importance of planning for the future, regardless of the time remaining. It is difficult for people without cancer to understand how challenging it is to consider life beyond the five-year mark, often referred to as the survivor's point.
Trouble concentrating
Previously, daily mundane tasks were routine. After my cancer diagnosis, I questioned spending time on such things when I should be making memories instead. This trauma can trap you in your thoughts and lead to depression.
Difficulty maintaining close relationships
Although I have not been affected by this, I know of many people who push people away so they won't have to suffer the emotional pain of their impending death.
Negative moods
During treatment, there were some days when I was just cranky, but those were the days I thought the "Why me?" question hit home, and many people had an angry reaction. Individuals often experience an underlying sadness when confronting uncertainty about the future or the absence of a foreseeable future.
Guilt/Shame
Cancer often leads to self-reflection, prompting individuals to question their past decisions and actions. They may wonder why they work long hours while their children were young, consume energy drinks regularly, or consider whether they will leave a meaningful legacy.
Self-destructive behaviors
I indulged in poor eating habits, thinking I had nothing to lose. Many people do the same with alcohol, sex, and drugs, asking themselves, "Why not?" They may also irrationally consider suicide as a way to control their death.
Hyperfocus on health
Some turn to extreme lifestyle changes and seek natural healing products without thought. The first couple of years, I was HYPER-vigilant about every inch of my body, every time I used the bathroom, any tiny lump, bumps, etc... It is less now, after 15 years, but not totally gone.
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Do cancer patients experience PTSD? Based on discussions and observations, it appears that many do, and it is often overlooked by medical and mental health professionals. While some individuals manage their diagnosis without significant stress, for many others, receiving a cancer diagnosis can be highly traumatic.
Consider whether you or your loved ones have experienced these symptoms. We need to address both the mental and physical health aspects of cancer. If you or someone you know are dealing with this process and cancer, go see or encourage others to see a therapist. It can really help relieve the mental pressures.
I have listed some links below for PTSD and ways to start self-healing – Do not be afraid to seek out support from a support group or therapist if you cannot selfheal –
Cancer may not kill you, but if you do not fight the mental battle, it can still hurt you and those you love for a long time!
BE THE WINNER IN HEALTH, BOTH PHYSICALLY AND EMOTIONALLY….
References:
https://www.helpguide.org
https://www.ptsd.va.gov/gethelp/selfhelp_coping.asp
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