Written By: Tiana Hoffman
Receiving a breast cancer diagnosis is a life-altering event that affects not only the body but also the mind and spirit. While much attention is given to the physical aspects of the disease—treatment options, recovery protocols, and physical side effects—the psychological toll can be equally profound. Understanding this mental health impact is crucial for patients, caregivers, and healthcare providers alike.
The Emotional Rollercoaster of a Breast Cancer Diagnosis:
A breast cancer diagnosis can trigger a wide range of emotions, including shock, fear, anger, and sadness. Many women experience anxiety about treatment options, prognosis, and the future. The uncertainty surrounding the disease can lead to fear and anxiety, depression, body image and self-esteem issues, social isolation, and medical related trauma.
Medical trauma refers to the emotional and psychological distress that can arise from medical experiences. This might include feelings of helplessness, fear, or anxiety triggered by medical environments or procedures. Symptoms can range from flashbacks and nightmares to heightened anxiety or avoidance of medical care altogether.
For many, the anxiety associated with medical trauma can be debilitating, leading to a cycle of avoidance that negatively impacts their overall health. It’s crucial for those affected to seek therapeutic interventions that can help them process these traumatic experiences.
How EMDR therapy can help:
EMDR is a structured therapy designed to alleviate distress associated with traumatic memories. EMDR facilitates the processing of traumatic memories through bilateral stimulation, typically achieved through guided eye movements. This process helps clients reprocess the memories and diminish their emotional intensity.
EMDR may benefit breast cancer patients specifically as clients often experience significant emotional relief within just a few sessions. EMDR also does not rely on medication, making it an appealing option for those who prefer to avoid adding additional pharmaceuticals into their treatment plan. EMDR can help patients reclaim their narrative, promoting resilience and a sense of control over their lives which would significantly improve the experience of those healing from breast cancer.
Conclusion:
Breast Cancer patients who are experiencing significant mental distress from their diagnosis, the treatments associated, or the life changes can find healing and peace not only physically but also psychologically.
The mental impact of a breast cancer diagnosis should be an important part of a patient’s treatment and is a very real part of a patient’s experience.
EMDR Therapy can be a transformative intervention for patients struggling with the mental impact of a breast cancer diagnosis.
Therapist Draper
Therapist Draper. Counseling in Draper Utah, Counseling Draper
