Counselling
Hi I am new to all of this, I have recently been diagnosed and undergone a full right breast mastectomy. My appointment with my surgical specialists is this Thursday to discuss results from all the tests done on the tissue and tumours. I am unsure how to navigate through this online tool and also feel I need counselling. I need to talk to someone who understands what I am going through, how this affects me as a mum, a person and a wife. How to navigate back to being normal and able to let my husband look at me without me crying or feeling less of a woman. How to navigate through to letting my girls feel comfortable and me feel comfortable with them seeing me as I am now (we don't wander around naked but not have to warn then not to come into bedroom or bathroom would be nice)
Anxiety is a BITCH - as is depression
ANXIETY IS A BITCH All because someone said or did something, along comes that feeling, the tight chest, the unease etc... sometimes you don't even know what triggered it, it just hits you. Then you feel anxious about the anxiety! This in turn can lead to depression. So - That is how it starts - and the first step would be to call the hotline here & chat about it 1800500258 Or - see if your local health service or Cancer Clinic has access to a Counsellor/psychologist for a chat. There are many ways that chatting with a total stranger can help you ..... Some more benefits of counselling ..... It happens to ALL of us at one stage or another. Don't wait for it to become a major problem - get onto it early, learn some coping mechanisms (eg identifying the triggers) and disarm it before it becomes a major issue Take care xxx
My marriage needs counselling
I'm 2 years NED. I'm one of "the lucky ones" whereby I feel absolutely fantastic physically despite my medications which consist of Femara and monthly Zoladex injections. However, mentally, I fell down hard with possible depression, anxiety and ptsd. I sought professional help early in "my journey", but fired my psychologist week 4 as she told me I was "a very challenging case" and I felt I was not given any help with my situation at all. I have never taken anti-depressants. Anyway, fast forward to today and I honestly feel like "the dark clouds" have lifted...just like that. YAY!!! I know I will always suffer scanxiety...but my mind most certainly feels clearer. HOWEVER, my marriage has suffered. My husband is the love of my life, but he has never been a good communicator when "the shit hits the fan"...hence cancer talk, depression talk etc etc has always been off limits.I have always tried to talk openly about "how Im travelling" but he has always put the wall up...maybe thats his coping mechanism..but this has left me feeling very isolated and misunderstood...and our marriage has suffered. We have had "the talk" and want to move forward together from this point carrying ALL OUR EXCESS BAGGAGE. My question is...do we seek marriage counselling, or is it cancer counselling, do we go together for help...or just him or just me? Where do we start???
Counseling/Support Information- desperate to talk - while I try to put my life back together
Hi all I am on the north side of Brisbane looking for a centre that provides support, particularly counseling, diet advice, physiotherapy, acupuncture, other natural therapies etc would be a bonus. I have tried the following avenues: (Name removed as per Community Guidelines) - I went here for a massage and the service was rushed and insensitive. The therapist talked the whole time and spoke about cancer like it was a common cold telling me that since having chemo I could never have a deep tissue massage again? Booked appointment was 45 mins, it ran for only 30 minutes. Although advertised on the website that there is specialised counseling there is no counseling available. The physiokey (like a tens massage) therapist introduced herself to me who was very friendly offered to provide support and counseling- she has no qualifications at all. (Name removed) -I made an appointment during my AC treatment (last October) which in hindsight I could not go to, and I missed. I recently rang to re-organise an appointment for exercise advice. The exercise physiologist was very surly and said she would call back later that day, she remembered me. She rang me back and was still rather jaded but did give me the information I required. I felt very judged despite apologizing for missing appointments last year. (Name removed) - They advertise a breast care package that includes massage, diet advice, acupuncture, exercise advice and counseling. When I called them to inquire about this they had no idea of this and advised I should come and see what they have available. This is primarily a sports medicine facility but was recommended because of the breast care package, which they knew nothing about when I called. (Name removed) - I am on the north side of Brisbane and was hoping to avoid a long drive. (Name removed) - Again on the North side and was hoping to avoid the drive. Is there any advice, or any suggestions, anyone has about counseling and support services such as 'diet, physio, acupuncture, exercise, massage etc, etc'. Counseling post cancer diagnosis and treatment is a specialised area and I stunned to find limited services. I had considered phone counseling but I am 'face to face' type for counseling to be beneficial. Primarily I need some counseling but I also want some comfort for my body which had been through so much since diagnosis July 2017. I may sound whingey but BC has changed me and I want what I want now. Underneath the surface I feel extremely vulnerable and I just want some support (body and soul) while I put my life back together. What positive experiences have people had? Any suggestions would be appreciated.
