How to Cope With Breast Cancer Guilt
As you process breast cancer guilt, you don’t have to worry about finding the one “right” way to do it, says Dr. Schultz. “Cancer impacts people in a variety of ways, and there is no prescribed way people should be feeling or managing their cancer experience.”
Practice Self-Compassion
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- It’s okay to feel sad.
- I am worth the extra care I need.
- My life is important.
Speak With a Mental Health Professional
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“Get a referral to a healthcare provider in psychological services, especially a provider who specializes in oncology,” says Heather Thompson, a breast health navigator at OSF HealthCare Saint Anthony’s Health Center in Alton, Illinois. Your care team can give you a referral.Tell Loved Ones How You Feel
Opening up to people you trust about the guilt you feel can be very empowering, says Schultz. “As people become more connected and attuned with their emotions and are able to express those emotions with themselves and others in a compassionate and nonjudgmental way, guilt and shame can begin to melt away,” she says.
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Join a Support Group
Support groups can offer an emotional outlet to share your emotions and hear how others have managed theirs, says Arentz. You can even join multiple support groups to address different issues with each, Arentz says.
Your care team can help you find local support groups. You can also find online groups with these organizations:
Stay as Active as You Can
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“This not only helps stress hormones but also helps your cardiovascular and respiratory systems become healthier to aid in recovery,” says Arentz.[13]
Even just a few minutes every day can help, building up to more as you’re able.Make Plans to Find Joy
You don’t have to wait for guilt to disappear before you find moments of joy. Make plans with a friend. Celebrate a family birthday. Go on that trip.
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