After breast cancer, you may feel all kinds of emotions: positive and\/or negative. If you are feeling emotions such as anxiety, sadness or even embarrassment, you may be experiencing “survivor’s guilt\u201d. We\u2019ve put together a few tips to help you through this common feeling. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
A person with survivor’s guilt experiences painful, complex and ambivalent emotions about being alive after a situation in which others have died. This feeling is usually associated with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD): an anxiety disorder associated with severe traumatic events such as an accident, memories of war… but it can also occur following breast cancer. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Survivor’s guilt can manifest itself as a mixture of empathy, sadness, anger, fear, grief, anxiety, pressure, and many others. This feeling can occur in different situations and take different forms. For example, people with breast cancer may feel guilty about other people with breast cancer, or guilt about the fact that they are still alive and feel pressure to give their lives more meaning to justify this second chance. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
In order to reduce and manage the feeling of guilt, the first step is to succeed in recognizing the feeling, and take a moment to reflect and identify it: is it empathy, fear, sadness? Then, know the source and allow yourself to experience it. This feeling is valid! Defining and accepting your limits is also a good way to realize that doing what you can is enough. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
One thought that can also help when experiencing guilt is to remember that it is possible to be grateful without letting it get in the way of empathy. Try to speak kindly to yourself, as you would to a friend or loved one.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
A diagnosis of breast cancer brings many changes to your life, some of which can be overwhelming. It is important to give yourself time to accept these changes and to remember that everyone is different. It is normal to deal with your emotions in your own way. Remembering that sometimes there are no logical answers or explanations for what is happening can also help you feel better. There is no reason for what is happening. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
If a death has occurred, it is important to take the time necessary to grieve. Time is restorative, and sometimes we shouldn’t be in too much of a hurry to get better right away.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Sometimes, seeking support is necessary to feel better and to fight against this feeling of guilt. Joining breast cancer survivor support groups can be a solution. Talking to someone you trust who is a good listener can also help or contacting the Foundation for free psychosocial support services.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n So, this feeling is not uncommon and should not be dismissed or viewed in a negative light: normalize it. There are many solutions and tips to help you feel better and see it disappear over time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you are experiencing doubts or questions related to breast cancer before, during or after diagnosis or treatment, call us at 1-855-561-ROSE to learn more about our psychosocial support services. We are here for you.<\/strong><\/span><\/span><\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n Amir M, Ramati A (2002) Post-traumatic symptoms,emotional distress and quality of life in long-term survivors of breast cancer. J Anxiety Disord <\/p>\n\n\n\n 16 (2): 195-206 <\/p>\n\n\n\n Bataille P (2003) Un cancer et la vie. Voix et regards. Les malades face \u00e0 la maladie. Balland, Paris <\/p>\n\n\n\n Castro B, Castro D, Skurnik N (1991) Psychologie et Cancer : place de la rationalisation dans une maladie canc\u00e9reuse de mauvais pronostic. Ann Med Psychol 146 (6): 517-24 <\/p>\n\n\n\n Hobbie WL, Stuber M, Meeske K, et al. (2000) Symptoms of posttraumatic stress in young adult survivors of childhood cancer.J Clin Oncol 18 (24): 4060-6 <\/p>\n\n\n\n Huguet M (1995) Le Cancer comme \u00e9v\u00e9nement traumatique. De l\u2019angoisse \u00e0 la recherche de soi. R\u00e9flexions \u00e0 propos d\u2019un cas clinique. In : P\u00e9licier Y (ed) Psychologie, cancers et soci\u00e9t\u00e9. L\u2019esprit du temps, Le Bouscat, pp. 37-45 <\/p>\n\n\n\n Pretty H (1988) La Gu\u00e9rison du canc\u00e9reux selon le malade. Rapport introductif. Psychol Med 20 (9): 1257 <\/p>\n\n\n\n Razavi D, Delvaux N (2002) Psycho-oncologie. Le cancer, le malade et sa famille. Masson, Paris <\/p>\n\n\n\n Reich M, Deschamps C, Ulaszewski AL, et al. (2001) L\u2019Annonce d\u2019un diagnostic de cancer : paradoxes et quiproquos. Rev Med Interne 22: 560-6 <\/p>\n\n\n\n Huguet M (1995) Le Cancer comme \u00e9v\u00e9nement traumatique. De l’angoisse \u00e0 la recherche de soi. R\u00e9flexions \u00e0 propos d’un cas clinique. In : P\u00e9licier Y (ed) Psychologie, cancers et soci\u00e9t\u00e9. L’esprit du temps, Le Bouscat, pp. 37-45 <\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\nSOURCES: <\/strong> <\/h4>\n\n\n\n