Post Traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a sort of anxiety disorder. Some individuals develop PTSD after experiencing a frightening or lethal circumstance. PTSD is frequently referred to in situations such as living through war, a sexual or physical attack, abuse, or a serious mishap. Cancer cells as well as cancer therapy can additionally trigger PTSD. For instance, one research study shows that almost 1 in 4 women who had actually recently been informed they had breast cancer had PTSD.

What are the signs and symptoms of PTSD?

Indicators of PTSD include sensations of anxiety that do not disappear, maintain getting worse, and also might influence your daily life.

Various other signs of PTSD consist of:

• Having problems and also flashbacks
• Avoiding locations, occasions, people, or points that bring back bad memories
• Solid sensations of guilt, sadness, or pity
• Problem resting or focusing
• Continuous sensations of anxiety or temper
• Loss of passion in activities and also partnerships that used to be satisfying
• Suicidal behavior, such as misusing drugs or alcohol

You might likewise have frightening or unwanted ideas. Or you may have difficulty feeling any emotions at all.

How can cancer cells create PTSD?

PTSD can take place after you go through an occasion or see an occasion that is traumatic. Commonly, this is a dangerous occasion, yet not constantly. You may establish PTSD from cancer for a number of reasons. These consist of:

• Understanding you have cancer
• Having discomfort or various other physical troubles triggered by cancer
• Obtaining tests and also therapies
• Getting disturbing test outcomes
• Long health center remains or therapies
• The cancer’s return or worry of its return

What are the threat elements for PTSD?

It is unclear why some people establish PTSD while others do not. Particular aspects might make you most likely to experience it. Knowing you have cancer at a young age is one variable. One research study located that survivors of youth cancer cells were at higher danger of developing PTSD. People that had much longer, a lot more intense treatment were especially in danger. One more research located that nearly 1 in 5 infants and also preschoolers with cancer have PTSD.

PTSD from cancer cells likewise seems to be more usual in:

• Individuals who had PTSD or another mental health problem prior to discovering they had cancer cells
• Women from minority groups
• People with high stress levels
• Individuals who use drugs or alcohol to avoid stress
• Individuals with much less formal education and learning
• People with reduced or no earnings
• Single individuals

PTSD is much less most likely if you:

• Get strong assistance from friends and family
• Have appropriate details regarding the stage of the cancer cells
• Have great relationships with your health care staff member

In the intricate tapestry of human existence, the threads of trauma and illness are inextricably woven. The silent struggle that many individuals face when confronting both post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and cancer can be profound, yet often overlooked. This article aims to shed light on the intricate relationship between PTSD and cancer, exploring their interconnectedness, potential causes, and the importance of recognizing and addressing these challenges for holistic healing.

The Overlapping Shadows: PTSD and Cancer

While post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and cancer might seem unrelated, the lines between mental and physical health are not always clear-cut. The experience of a life-threatening illness like cancer can become a traumatic event that triggers or exacerbates PTSD symptoms. At the same time, individuals who have previously experienced trauma may be at a heightened risk of developing cancer due to the physiological effects of chronic stress on the body’s immune system.

Understanding PTSD and Cancer: Shared Symptoms

1. Psychological Impact: Both PTSD and cancer can lead to a range of psychological symptoms. For cancer patients, the fear of mortality, treatment side effects, and changes in body image can lead to anxiety, depression, and emotional distress. Similarly, individuals with PTSD often experience heightened anxiety, depression, and emotional dysregulation.
2. Physical Symptoms: Cancer and PTSD can both manifest in physical symptoms such as fatigue, sleep disturbances, and changes in appetite. These overlapping physical symptoms can create a complex interplay between the mind and body, further exacerbating distress.
3. Coping Mechanisms: Individuals with both conditions may resort to maladaptive coping mechanisms, such as substance abuse, in an attempt to alleviate their distress. These behaviors can have a compounding negative impact on both mental and physical health.

Potential Causes and Risk Factors

1. Trauma as a Precursor: For cancer patients who have experienced trauma, the diagnosis and treatment journey can trigger memories of past traumatic events, exacerbating PTSD symptoms. Trauma can also impact an individual’s ability to cope with the challenges of cancer, affecting treatment adherence and overall well-being.
2. Chronic Stress and Immune Function: Chronic stress, a hallmark of PTSD, can lead to dysregulation of the immune system. This weakened immune response may increase the risk of cancer development and influence the progression of the disease.
3. Impact of Treatment: Cancer treatment itself can be traumatic, involving invasive procedures, intense physical discomfort, and the threat of mortality. These experiences can contribute to the development of PTSD or exacerbate existing symptoms.

Recognizing the Importance of Support

1. Integrated Care: Recognizing the interconnectedness of PTSD and cancer highlights the need for an integrated approach to care. Mental health care in Los Angeles support should be an integral part of cancer treatment, addressing the emotional impact of the illness and improving overall quality of life.
2. Screening and Assessment: Oncology professionals should consider routinely screening cancer patients for PTSD symptoms and a history of trauma. Early identification and intervention can lead to more effective management of both conditions.
3. Psychosocial Support: Providing psychosocial support through therapy, support groups, and counseling can help cancer patients and survivors navigate the emotional challenges of their diagnosis, treatment, and recovery.

The Healing Journey: Seeking Holistic Wellness

1. Professional Intervention: For individuals dealing with both PTSD and cancer, seeking professional intervention is paramount. Mental health care in Los Angeles professionals with expertise in trauma and medical illness can provide tailored strategies for coping, resilience, and healing.
2. Mind-Body Techniques: Techniques such as mindfulness, meditation, and yoga can help individuals manage the emotional and physical challenges of both conditions. These practices promote relaxation, reduce stress, and improve overall well-being.
3. Communication: Open communication with healthcare providers, loved ones, and support networks is essential. Sharing experiences, fears, and struggles can foster a sense of connection and reduce feelings of isolation.

Conclusion: The Intersection of Two Struggles

The intersection of post-traumatic stress disorder and cancer presents a unique and complex challenge. Understanding the interplay between these conditions is essential for providing comprehensive care that addresses the emotional, psychological, and physical needs of affected individuals. By recognizing the potential links, promoting integrated care, and prioritizing mental health support, we can pave the way for a holistic healing journey that acknowledges the depth of these struggles and supports the pursuit of a better quality of life.

Strick reminder from Brain Health USA to seek a doctor’s advice in addition to using this app and before making any medical decisions.

Read our previous blog post here: https://brainhealthusa.com/telehealth-remote-mental-health-support/.

Resources:

National Cancer Institute