After....I was so depressed and anxious. I felt totally alone and deserted. I spoke with a woman counselor several times. She really helped me to understand and accept my feelings....which helped me get so much better.
Funny thing is I DO counseling and teach meditation and do Guided Imagery with people who are undergoing chemo. It helps reduce side effects. I am also seeing my own counselor or anxiety since my surgery. Meditation daily and Guided Imagery keep me from going to the dark side. But I have given myself permission to grieve when I need to. Mental health days….;-) Valium too on occasion.
I have been seeing a counsellor since my diagnosis as I have been having anxiety attacks. It has been a blessing, as she has helped me with meditation and tips to get me through dark days. Now when I'm anxious I can relax and pretty well get through the crunch using relaxation techniques , music etc. I'm giving to keep going as I think there are some good lessons here in stress, or perhaps de-stressing.
Sorry, hit the button before I was done. I did seek therapy for anxiety during my cancer diagnosis. I even took Xanax and lorazepam for a bit to help get through. It just overwhelmed me hearing I had cancer. I have three little girls and I was so worried about them. Once I learned my whole situation and diagnosis and treatments, it got better. Best of luck to you and get the help you need. Don't suffer in silence!!
I feel receiving the diagnosis of breast cancer is traumatizing because it has a potential of being life-threatening. I'm a social work student and I used journaling as a tool to get my emotions of frustration, etc. It helped tremendously.