It’s Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and all October we have been bringing you educational pieces on breast cancer causes, treatments, and more. One topic we haven’t yet touched on is the psychological and mental effects of a breast cancer diagnosis. The weight of a breast cancer diagnosis is a burden that can lead patients to anxiety, fear, and depression. But it’s important to do your best to stay positive during your breast cancer treatment. This article will focus on some of the psychological effects of breast cancer, and offer some tips for remaining optimistic throughout treatment.
Mental Stress & Breast Cancer
Anyone who has been diagnosed with cancer can tell you how terrifying it is at first. You never think it can happen to you until it does. When you hear those words (“you have cancer”) from your physician, it hits you like a ton of bricks and you just want to hide from the world.
Sometimes patients become depressed after being diagnosed with breast cancer, and that depression causes them to give up hope and stop trying. But if you want to beat the breast cancer, you have to keep trying and stay positive during your treatment – whether it’s radiation, chemotherapy, surgery, or physical therapy rehabilitation.
Staying Positive During Treatment
Remaining optimistic is absolutely essential while you go through treatment. Here are a few tips for keeping a positive outlook during your breast cancer treatment and recovery:
- Find support in your family and friends.
- Talk with your doctor(s) about your options for treatment so you can be comfortable and positive in your care decision.
- Find comfort in the fact that breast cancer has a strong survival rate.
- Research your cancer online. The more you know about something, the less scary it becomes.
OrthoRehab Specialists has been a leader in physical therapy care in the Twin Cities for the past twenty-five years. Breast cancer rehabilitation is one of our many physical therapy specialties. Our therapists offer direct access to care in Minnesota so you can make an appointment without first getting a prescription. Our primary physical therapy clinics are located in Minneapolis and Edina, but we treat patients throughout the Twin Cities Metro. Contact us today to set up your appointment with one of our experienced physical therapists.