Ever since the doctor told you that you have breast cancer, you've probably felt a huge burden and an unbearable fear. "What happens now?", "Will this get better?", "Will I be able to bear the treatment?", "What will happen to my family?" There are probably thousands of questions running through your head. It's actually very normal to have these feelings. This is not unique to you. This stress and anxiety is common to everyone battling cancer.
But if this anxiety persists and becomes more and more severe, it can interfere with your ability to function and even participate in treatment. To be precise, it can be a sign of an anxiety disorder, which is a mental illness. Therefore, it is very important to talk openly with your doctor about how you are feeling. Then he or she can help you manage this condition.
What are the symptoms of anxiety?
Anxiety is not just a feeling of fear in our minds. It can also be felt physically. Think about it, do you feel these things?
| Sign | Description |
|---|---|
| Thoughts that constantly bother me | Constantly thinking that something bad will happen. |
| A head that "can't be turned off" | Constantly thinking about one thing after another and not being able to free your mind. |
| Difficulty concentrating | Difficulty getting work done, learning something new, or solving a problem. |
| Constant restlessness | Inability to stay in one place, feeling constantly restless. |
| Getting angry and crying over small things | Getting angry quickly, crying often, speaking quickly in anger. |
| Not sleeping well | Difficulty falling asleep or waking up frequently at night. |
| Physical characteristics | Heart palpitations, hands shaking, and muscle tightness. |
If one or more of these symptoms are present all the time, and it interferes with your daily life, be sure to tell your doctor .
What is the connection between breast cancer and anxiety?
This anxiety can increase not only when you find out you have cancer, but also during and after treatment.
While undergoing treatment...
During treatment, things like these may increase your anxiety:
- If you have previously had a condition like anxiety or depression .
- If you have previously experienced physical or mental trauma.
- If you don't have enough family or friends to support you.
- If the pain medication is not controlling the pain properly.
- When treatment does not improve the eroge condition as expected.
- When it's hard to do things like take a bath or eat a meal on your own.
After the treatment is over...
Instead of feeling relieved when treatment is over, like "Okay, it's all over now," sometimes anxiety can increase. This can be caused by:
- Feeling lonely when you don't see the doctors and nurses you used to see so often anymore.
- Starting to think big about any small changes in your body.
- When you're going back to work and getting used to household chores.
The most important thing is that after the cancer is cured, there is a fear of recurrence. This fear can increase, especially when going to the follow-up clinic and waiting for test results.
Can talk therapy help?
Yes, you can. Talking to a mental health counselor , such as a psychologist or psychiatrist, who can help you talk about your fears and anxieties can be very helpful. You can ask your doctor to refer you to someone for this.
- One-on-one therapy: Here you can talk openly about all your fears, changes in your life, and changes in your body.
- Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT): This is a very effective method. Simply put, it teaches you to understand the thought patterns that cause your anxiety and change them.
- Group sessions: When you come together and talk to others who are facing breast cancer like you, you get the feeling that "I'm not alone." That's a great strength.
In addition to these methods, things like family counseling and relaxation training can also be helpful.
Are there medications that help with anxiety?
Some people may also need medication in addition to talk therapy. These medications can help control symptoms such as fear, muscle stiffness, and insomnia. Some antidepressants are also used for anxiety.
But here's something very important you need to know: If you're taking the hormone therapy tamoxifen (Tamoxifen) as a treatment for breast cancer, some antidepressants can reduce its effectiveness.
| Some medications that may interact with Tamoxifen |
|---|
| Bupropion (Wellbutrin) |
| Duloxetine (Cymbalta) |
| Fluoxetine (Prozac) |
| Paroxetine (Paxil) |
| Sertraline (Zoloft) |
Therefore, only discuss with your doctor what medication is right for you and what its pros and cons are. Never make decisions alone.
What are the things you can do alone?
In addition to medication and counseling, there are many things you can do yourself to help calm your mind.
- Exercise: Exercise doesn't have to be big. It can be as simple as walking or doing yoga. But don't forget to ask your doctor what exercises are suitable for you during your treatment .
- Good sleep: Reduce your intake of coffee and tea before bed. Stop drinking alcohol at least 4 hours before bed.
- Breathing Exercise: When you feel anxious, close your eyes and take deep breaths. Think about each part of your body, from head to toe, and imagine yourself relaxing those parts.
- Other things: Eating a balanced diet, spending time with family, meditating, keeping a journal, listening to your favorite music, using aromatherapy, and engaging in religious rituals can also provide you with great relief.
Take-Home Message
- It's normal to feel anxious and scared about breast cancer. You're not alone.
- If this anxiety is interfering with your daily life or interfering with your treatment, be sure to tell your doctor.
- This condition can be well controlled with talk therapy and, if necessary, medication.
- Only your doctor can determine which medications are right for you. Be especially careful if you are taking Tamoxifen.
- You can also get great relief from things like exercise, good sleep, and calming techniques.
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