There is no right or wrong way to feel when you receive a metastatic cancer diagnosis.
Whilemetastatic cancer affects your physical healthin many ways, it can also take a toll on your mental health.
Up to 40% of people with cancer have an accompanying psychiatric disorder.
There is also a 20% increased risk of suicide in the six months following a cancer diagnosis.
This can also help managefatigue associated with metastatic breast cancer.
For example, if you enjoy hiking, find a local trail to hike on the weekend.
If you feel better after meditating, incorporate a daily practice into your routine.
Make an effort to do enjoyable and meaningful activities.
Be open to friends or acquaintances unexpectedly offering help.
Talk to a Therapist
Breast cancer can be an isolating experience.
Individual therapy can help you process the mental challenges of living with metastatic breast cancer.
Finding a therapist who specializes in chronic or terminal illnesses or grief work can be helpful.
Many therapists recommend weekly appointments, but this is not an absolute; weekly visits are not for everyone.
Whatever the reason, these unmet expectations can lead to a further sense of loss and sadness.
On the other hand, Ive also observed random acquaintances who becomeclose friends and supportersduring this challenging time.
Finding a support group can be extremely helpful.
venture to embrace support and understand that it will come in different forms.
Youll quickly learn who to rely on for specific needs.
There are many tools and resources that can help you improve your overall mental state.
Avoiding sadness or anxiety isnt the goal.
Its completely reasonable to feel these big emotions when facing a diagnosis of metastatic breast cancer.
As told toSarah Bence.
Fernando A, Tokell M, Ishak Y et al.Mental health needs in cancera call for change.Future Healthc J.
2022;45(2):E471-E486.
2024;15(7):908. doi:10.5306/wjco.v15.i7.908
