Pink Ribbon Month: The Power of Emotional Support Through the Cancer Journey
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Pink Ribbon Month
October is more than just the month of cooler temps, falling leaves, and pumpkin spice lattes; it's also Pink Ribbon Month, a time dedicated to raising awareness about breast cancer.
While the focus is usually on the medical aspect of cancer, there needs to be full awareness of the emotional toll that a cancer diagnosis can have on individuals and their loved ones.
In this blog post, I’ll share the significant impact emotional support can have during the cancer journey.
The Impact of a Cancer Diagnosis
Hearing the word “cancer” is a life changing moment for anyone. Whether it's breast cancer or any other form of the disease, it brings with it fear, uncertainty, overwhelm, and a rollercoaster of emotions.
When you are faced with a cancer experience there is a level of anxiety, depression, and feelings of isolation that travel with you along the cancer journey.
Pink Ribbon for Emotional Support
Finding support for mind, body, spirit is an essential part of the cancer journey as it helps those affected cope with the emotional and psychological aspects of the diagnosis and treatment.
Emotional support through the cancer experience can make a difference in the following ways:
Reduce Stress:
A cancer diagnosis often leads to high levels of stress, which can negatively affect mental and physical wellbeing, in addition treatment outcomes and healing can improve with less stress.
Emotional support from a cancer coach, friends, family, or support group will help patients and family manage their stress levels and maintain a positive outlook.
Provide Comfort:
Knowing that there are people who care about you and are there to listen can provide immense comfort to patients and family members.
Sometimes, just having someone to talk to about the fears and concerns (without judgment) can make a world of difference.
Empower Decision Making:
Emotional support can help the patient and family process what they are going through. Allowing them to open up about their hopes and concerns helps provide a sense of empowerment over thoughts, feelings, behaviors, and decision making.
Being emotionally healthy allows us to cope with life’s challenges, to keep problems in perspective, and allows us to bounce back from setbacks quicker.
Improved Wellbeing:
Establishing a solid support system fosters a nourishing environment that enables those touched by cancer find joy, meaning, and purpose even during the most difficult times.
The presence of human connection is necessary for everyone, especially when going through a cancer journey. Engaging in human interactions promotes a sense of safety, belonging and security.
Pink Ribbon Month
Pink Ribbon Month stands as a reminder of the vital role emotional support plays in the lives of those touched by cancer and highlights the importance of breast cancer awareness.
Offering reassurance and support is instrumental in assisting individuals to cope with the emotional challenges that come with a cancer diagnosis.
Designating an entire month to raise awareness about breast cancer, offering love, empathy, and support to those affected by this disease makes it possible to get through the challenging road of a cancer journey.
Leveraging the symbolism of the Pink Ribbon also serves to bridge the gap of medical and emotional aspects of cancer, fostering strength and resilience in the process of healing following a diagnosis.
Essential Oils for Breast Health
Protect your breast tissue with this Essential Oil recipe for breast health.
Your girls will be happy with the results!
10ml glass rollerball
8 drops Clary Sage
10 drops Frankincense
10 drops Grapefruit
6 drops Pink Pepper
Fill with Fractionated coconut oil
Roll on breast, and massaging into breast tissue including the armpit area twice daily.
Grab your breast health kit here.