The Path to Mental Improvement for Breast Cancer Patients
Breast cancer, a terrible word, not only inflicts physical pain on patients, but also casts a heavy shadow on their hearts. For breast cancer patients, improving their psychological state is a crucial part of their recovery.
When patients are diagnosed with breast cancer, they often experience shock and denial. They are unable to accept this sudden and cruel reality, full of doubts: “Why me?” This sentiment is a normal psychological defence mechanism, but if denied for long periods of time, it prevents subsequent treatment. At this point in time, patient communication between families and health-care providers is particularly important. The first step in overcoming the disease is to explain the situation to the patients in a moderate manner and give them enough time to accept it.
Fear and anxiety are almost throughout the treatment of breast cancer patients. Fear of surgical pain, fear of the side effects of chemotherapy, fear of physical disability and uncertainty about the length of life, are such negative sentiments that strike the patient in waves and waves. At this stage, the role of psychological support teams cannot be underestimated. Bringing patients together to share their experiences and feelings. When patients find out that they are not alone facing these fears, there is a comfort in their hearts. They can draw strength from each other and learn how to deal with fear and anxiety.
Low self-esteem and depression are also common psychological problems. Breastectomy may make patients feel that they are no longer complete and lose their female charm. They may avoid socialization or even fear intimacy. At that point, we need to help the patient to regain self-confidence. They are encouraged to choose suitable breast milk or to perform breast-rehabilitation operations to give them some confidence in their appearance. At the same time, psychologists can help patients change their negative perception of themselves through cognitive behaviour therapy. Let them understand that the value of women does not depend entirely on a certain part of the body and that they can still be beautiful and can still have a wonderful life.
Positive living attitudes are also crucial in improving the psychological status of breast cancer patients. Patients are encouraged to develop interests such as painting, calligraphy, yoga, etc. These activities allow patients to temporarily forget their illness and experience happiness and achievement. When patients are immersed in what they like, they become more calm and full of themselves.
The presence of family members is a cornerstone of psychological recovery. Family members are required to give the patient the care that is indispensable, but such care cannot be excessive. Patients must be treated as usual so that they feel that they are not treated differently because of their illness. A warm hug, a patient listening and a well-prepared meal, seemingly ordinary, conveys a strong sense of love and gives the patient a sense of comfort.
For breast cancer patients, the improvement of their mental state is a constant battle. All sectors of society must work together to create an understanding and supportive environment for them. Medical personnel, family members and friends are expected to be the guardians of their hearts, to help them cross darkness and meet the dawn of hope, to regain the courage and confidence of their lives and to shine their own glory. Only when mental and physical well-being is achieved is there real recovery.
