Self-psychological Guidance after Detection of Breast Cancer
When breast cancer is diagnosed as a sudden storm in a peaceful life, the heart of the patient is often dominated by feelings of fear, anxiety and helplessness. However, active psychological guidance is essential to meet this challenge.
First, to face and embrace your emotions. Fear after diagnosis is a normal response, and do not try to suppress it. You can give yourself some time to cry, to let go, to free your heart. When many patients are informed of the situation, the first response is to refuse to believe that this is a self-protection mechanism. Over time, however, efforts must be made to accept the reality, as only acceptance would be a better response. For example, a quiet corner can be found every day to reflect on the disease and gradually adapt to the new situation.
Building positive self-awareness is also crucial. Breast cancer is just a challenge in life, not a definition of its own label. To understand that you are not just a patient, but a person of unique value. It is possible to recall your past experience in overcoming difficulties, both at work and in life, which can be a source of strength for you now to overcome the disease. Tell me, “I’ve overcome so many difficulties, this time I can.” At the same time, attention is given to the healthy and dynamic parts of the body, such as flexible limbs, perceptive senses, etc., which enhances positive perceptions of the person.
The role of social communication in psychological guidance cannot be overlooked. Don’t isolate yourself and share your feelings with family and friends. Their company, support and encouragement bring warmth to you. There may be patients who fear a burden on their families and friends, but in fact, most of them are very willing to help. Some small parties could be organized, or simply telephoned and chatted with friends. It would be a good option to join a group of breast cancer patients like themselves. Within this group, people have similar experiences and are able to understand each other, support each other and share their experiences of treatment and psychological care.
In the course of treatment, a number of sub-targets have helped to build confidence. These objectives can be related to treatment, such as the successful completion of a chemotherapy programme, or in everyday life, such as the ten-minute per day long walk. Every small goal has been achieved with a recognition of itself. When you complete a week of drug treatment without serious adverse effects, or find yourself able to walk longer and longer, that sense of accomplishment disperses the dark part of your heart. Moreover, goals should not be too ambitious, and failure to achieve them could lead to frustration, and the accumulation of small goals would make a big difference.
Moreover, the development of a hobby can divert attention from disease. If you used to like to read, you can now pick up your books and immerse in the world of words; if you like to paint, you can paint the beauty of your heart with a brush. A hobby can give you a place for your own pleasure and you can find pleasure in these difficult times. With the permission of the body, new interests such as learning to knit and making small objects that can exercise hand flexibility and provide satisfaction can also be tried.
Relax training is also an effective way to relieve psychological stress. Deep breath is the easiest way to relax, to find a comfortable position to sit or lie down, to breathe slowly, to fill the abdomen with air, and then to breathe slowly and repeatedly. Meditation is also a good option, and it takes 10 minutes a day to focus on breathing or a good image, to remove hysteria and to relax. The gradual lax training of muscles is also effective, from the head to the toe, which tightens and relaxes the muscles in various parts of the body, and feels the difference between muscle stress and laxity and releases the pressure of the body.
In short, psychological guidance following the diagnosis of breast cancer is an ongoing process that requires us to take a multifaceted approach and actively adapt our mentalities to face the disease with greater optimism and strength and to defeat the disease.
