5 Reasons To Join An Emotional Support Group After Breast Cancer

Breast cancer treatment and recovery can be a lengthy process, and it's important to acknowledge that the need for emotional support doesn't end with the completion of treatment. In fact, many women struggle more after treatment ends, when the medical team starts to take a back seat...I know this was a hard time for me!

Feeling like I was still walking the high wire, but my safety net had been ripped away. Confused and shocked by the waves of heavy emotions, fatigue and I even found myself wondering "is this normal"?

It's true, as breast cancer survivors we face unique challenges, that someone who has not walked this path might find difficult to understand, it's not their fault, they just can't really get it!

If you think back to before your own diagnosis, did you have ANY clue how complex your range of emotions might be? Or how physical changes would impact so many areas of your life, and you had no idea they would?

PLUS, very few of us are really prepared for what a breast cancer journey will mean, and how it would impact on us every level, physically, emotionally and mentally.

As for our medical team...

There's a common theme among the hundreds of women I've spoken with, including the over 1700 in my Healthy Living After Breast Cancer Facebook Group, 95% agree...that they were very ill prepared for the true impact that beast cancer would have on their life.

And with 82.5% of survivors being diagnosed with PTSD...this is no joke!

That being said, let me share 5 reasons why you might want to consider joining an emotional support group:

1. Emotional support: Dealing with breast cancer can be an incredibly challenging and emotional experience. Joining an emotional support group can provide a safe space where you can openly express your feelings, fears, and concerns with others who have gone through similar experiences. Sharing your emotions with a supportive group can help alleviate feelings of isolation and provide validation for your experiences, so that you know that you are not alone!

2. Shared experiences: An emotional support group consisting of individuals who have also battled breast cancer can offer a unique understanding of your journey. They can relate to the physical and emotional impact of the disease, the side effects of treatments, and the challenges of recovery. Connecting with people who have been through similar experiences can foster a sense of camaraderie and provide a valuable source of empathy and encouragement.

3. Practical advice and coping strategies: Support groups often provide a wealth of practical advice and coping strategies for managing the various challenges associated with breast cancer. Members may share information about effective pain management techniques, strategies for dealing with treatment side effects, and tips for self-care during recovery. Having access to such knowledge can empower you to make informed decisions and improve your overall well-being.

4. Reduced feelings of anxiety and depression: Breast cancer can lead to heightened levels of anxiety and depression due to the uncertainty of the disease, fear of recurrence, and the impact on self-image. An emotional support group can serve as a critical resource for managing these mental health concerns. Engaging in regular discussions, receiving support from others, and learning coping mechanisms can help reduce feelings of anxiety and depression, improving your overall mental well-being.

5. Long-term support: Breast cancer treatment and recovery can be a lengthy process, and the need for emotional support doesn't end with the completion of treatment. An emotional support group can provide ongoing support during various stages of your journey, such as transitioning back to work, dealing with the aftermath of treatment, managing survivorship challenges, or addressing any long-term effects of the disease. Having a consistent support system can ensure that you have access to the emotional support you need throughout your breast cancer journey.

Now, you may be asking "Where do I find an emotional support group"?

And finding the right group for you is crucial, it needs the right vibe, demographic, type or stage of cancer (eg: Metastatic, Young, High risk, TNBC etc) the key, is to feel safe and understood, like a warm hug!

Your first decision is to think about if you want something in person or online, or perhaps a bit of both. Your medical team may have some suggestions, so I recommend asking there first.

In Person Suggestions:

1. Local Hospitals
2. Breast Cancer Clinics
3. Churches
4. Local State Breast Cancer Organizations

Online Suggestions:

1. Living Beyond Breast Cancer
2. The Breasties
3. For The Breast of Us ( A breast cancer community for women of color)

And because this is such an important key component to healing and recovery, my dear friend Dr. Christi Hibbert and I also offer a FREE MONTHLY EMOTIONAL SUPPORT GROUP, on ZOOM. 

We meet the first Saturday of each month at 1pm EST for 90 minutes and the group is complimentary, all are welcome to join, no matter where you are in your breast cancer journey.

If you'd like to be notified of upcoming meetings CLICK HERE.