The diagnosis of any disease is an event that can result in great anguish, stress and fear in the person who receives it and their family, work and social environment.
This emotional impact is closely related to the information available about the condition, treatments and beliefs on the subject.
Paola G. Rosa Mota, psychologist at the Centers for Diagnosis and Advanced Medicine and Medical and Telemedicine Conferences (Cedimat), explains that in addition to the diagnosis received, the corresponding interventions will eventually begin according to the indicated treatment.
Both are stressful factors that will also be reflected in the emotional state and could hinder the process of acceptance and coping if the appropriate approach and support is not available.
“In that case, when referring to breast cancer, both physical and emotional conditions can be highlighted, the latter being especially noticeable in diagnosed women due to the obvious changes and emotions that they can present.
For this reason, psychological support must be taken into account, whose function is to promote emotional balance, help the person to express themselves freely and give meaning to what they feel, “says the specialist.
Emotional impact
He adds that it is important to recognize that the emotions that usually arise are part of the adaptation process and are normal within the context in which they occur. Accepting them helps the person to understand a little more the situation they are going through and favors being able to maintain healthy bonds around them.
Mota points out that within the emotional sphere, some of the characteristics and symptoms that could be presented are the following: anxiety, this arises in the face of doubt and fear, and it is normal to experience it when facing the unknown.
“Some of the common symptoms are muscle tension, increased heart rate, feeling of not being able to breathe, among others. In these cases, there is also concern about not knowing what will happen in the future and the uncertainty about medical procedures ”, he points out.
Low self-esteem
Due to changes, mainly in body image. In the case of women, breast cancer can have a great impact due to the changes they face, affecting their idea of themselves as a woman, mother and / or partner. Feelings of shame, isolation behaviors, concern about self-perception and that of others, among others, may occur.
Afraid
Mainly accentuated by the anticipation of one’s own suffering, that of family members, and not having the necessary support. Similarly, fear of death, changes in your environment and lifestyle, side effects and not knowing how to handle them is common.
Sadness
It is a normal and frequent emotion that should be paid attention and great care because it could escalate and become a type of depression. It can be identified by lack of motivation, difficulties in carrying out day-to-day activities, irritability, lack of sleep, personal neglect, among others.
While for many people these feelings manage to disappear or diminish, for others it could be a bit difficult. That is why it is important to have the help of professionals in the field of mental health, says the psychologist.
Ira
“Like the aforementioned, it is part of the adaptation process. It is a natural and valid emotion, and it is equally important to take care of the way it is expressed.
Accompaniment
The specialist emphasizes that physical health is as important as mental health. In these cases, the accompaniment and support of specialized therapists helps to alleviate the emotional burden of the difficult moments that the person and their loved ones go through.
In the same way, they provide the necessary assistance to prevent symptoms from increasing in intensity and frequency.
Mota explains that because everyone experiences the situation differently and the evolution of cancer can vary from person to person, it is natural that some take longer to recognize the diagnosis.
Faced with diagnoses such as breast cancer, improving the emotional state can be very helpful before, during and after medical procedures.
There are coping strategies (such as seeking support and emotional regulation) that help you respond and cope with changes in the best possible way.
Importance of therapeutic accompaniment
Psychoeducation of patients and relatives who face cancer such as breast cancer, allows to give meaning to emotions, normalize them and facilitate their expression.
The doubts, expectations and fears of uncertainty are addressed. Through the therapeutic approach, one can learn to deal with physical, emotional and environmental changes, such as the distribution in the home in terms of the responsibilities of each family member.
It is important to highlight the resources that the patient and her family have, such as good communication, empathy, optimism, patience, among others, since they promote self-confidence.
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