Managing stress after you have been diagnosed with breast cancer may seem like an impossible goal. Many breast cancer patients feel like their life has been turned upside down and they no longer have control over their body.

The Lawrenceville doctors at Rodriguez MD know that while this is a stressful time for you and your family, there are things that you can do to manage that stress. In fact, minimizing stress can improve both your physical and emotional well-being.

Far too many people turn to unhealthy stress relievers such as drinking, smoking or the use of prescription anxiety medications — things that can be even more dangerous for a person undergoing cancer treatment. That’s why it’s essential to find healthy ways to cope with stress.

Maintain a Support System 

While many patients feel like shutting themselves off from the world when they’re fighting cancer, it’s essential to maintain interactions with people.

This includes not just spouses, partners and family members, but with people outside your family who can provide practical as well as emotional support. Besides friends, this can include people where you worship, colleagues, therapists and support groups.

Just about every city has cancer support groups and even groups specifically for people with breast cancer.

They provide a place for people to share feelings and concerns they may not feel comfortable talking about with friends and family. Other people living with cancer can offer insights, answer questions and provide understanding. Many people feel less like a “victim” when they are among others fighting the disease.

If you can’t find a group in your area or are not feeling well enough to get out, there are online support and discussion groups as well. One thing the internet is good for is uniting people from all over the world with shared interests and situations.

There are also support and discussion groups for family members and loved ones of those living with cancer. Sometimes their needs and fears are neglected because the focus is on the person who is sick. However, by dealing with their stress, they can become better caregivers and sources of support to the person with cancer.

To schedule an appointment or learn more about the services that we offer at our bilingual Lawrenceville clinic, call us today or request an appointment.