3 Tips to Help with Cancer Related PTSD

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• in PTSD Blog
• on February 16, 2015
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A cancer diagnosis can trigger fear. I know this personally because just two months ago, doctors found a lesion in my brain stem, and my initial diagnosis was a brain tumor that was believed to be cancer.

Three out of four people process a cancer diagnosis without long-term effects that leave them feeling totally overwhelmed. They develop a support system. They find significance and meaning through the experience.

* However, one out of four people who receive a cancer diagnosis will develop depression.
* One out of ten who receive a cancer diagnosis will go on to develop post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

PTSD can develop after people experience terrifying or traumatic life events. They may have nightmares, flashbacks, anxiety attacks, or feel as if they are re-experiencing the event, as well as other symptoms.

TIPS TO REDUCE YOUR RISK OF DEVELOPING PTSD

1. Increase your social support. Reach out to family and friends. Consider a cancer or chronic illness support group.
2. Eat foods high in omega-3 oils. A study by K. Matsumura, H. Noguchi, D. Nishi, and Y. Matsuoka demonstrated this effect and was published in Glob J Health Sci 2012;4(1):3-9.

What about you? Have you experienced PTSD symptoms following a cancer diagnosis? What did you do?

Read more at: http://www.mesothelioma.com/blog/authors/jillian/cancer-and-post-traumatic-stress-disorder-3-tips-to-help-with-risk-and-symptoms.htm#ixzz3RkjJU7pu
3. Studies indicate that meditation may also be helpful in reducing symptoms of PTSD.