Coping with a breast cancer diagnosis

RECEIVING a breast cancer diagnosis is life-changing for most, and what I've learnt is that it is as much an emotional crisis as it is a medical one.

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Along with medical decisions that have to be made are overwhelming emotions.

While everyone's breast cancer journey is unique, there are some coping skills that may benefit anyone on this journey.

Feel your feelings

It's common for people to tell you to be strong and think positive, but as a psychologist, I know just how effective it is to feel your feelings. It helps to acknowledge your emotions and to understand why they are surfacing. Breast cancer can be life changing, so it's okay to not be okay upon receiving a diagnosis. Feeling sad or anxious is not a sign of weakness - these are normal emotions in an abnormal situation.

Focus on what you can control