WHY JOURNALING IS A MUST FOR CANCER PATIENTS AND SURVIVORS

There are so many emotions that comes with a cancer diagnosis. Knowing how to deal with them is what matters most.

Journaling is one of the most powerful tools for anxiety and depression.

When I was first diagnosed with Stage IIIB breast cancer I was devastated. I spent a lot of late nights staring at the ceiling trying to figure out my fate...the thought of my 3 girls not having their mother literally haunted me. At one point, my anxiety started to take a toll on me- far more than my treatment had.

Anxiety & Depression

“Anxiety is a normal reaction to cancer. One may experience anxiety while undergoing a cancer screening test, waiting for test results, receiving a diagnosis of cancer, undergoing cancer treatment, or anticipating a recurrence of cancer.” -WebMD

Cancer is such a life-changing experience, that it can cause anxiety and also lead to depression in some people. According to the American Cancer Society, "up to 1 in 4 people with cancer have clinical depression." But, maybe there is a remedy that can help ease these anxieties and keep depression at bay.

The Power of Journaling

Contrary to writing in a diary, which is basically a recap of a person's day, journaling is more complex and requires the writer to dig deeper inside and release all of their emotions through the pen. Because everyone reminded me how strong I was... how I was fighting cancer like a beast... how I didn't "look like I had cancer," it was hard for me to express how I truly felt. If I actually told people just how TIRED and ACHY I was... how I still randomly cried in the shower or bathroom when no one was looking... how I had to put on layers of makeup to hide my cancer-given, dark rings around my eyes - maybe it would have helped me feel a little better. It would have definitely helped clear up those misconceptions about my well-being, but instead, I just held everything in. Not being able to control my circumstances is what gave me the most anxiety. It wasn't until I opened this blank, pink and white striped notebook, gifted to me by my sister, that my anxieties eased. It allowed me to be as raw and emotional as I wanted to without the guilty conscious of feeling like I was complaining or even being judged by anyone else. Foremost, journaling gave me clarity. I could reflect and see what was bothering me most and address those issues. Writing also gave me a sense of peace, because even though my situation hadn't changed, I'd written all of my problems down and THAT restored the control that I felt I'd lost during my battle. Furthermore, after a cancer diagnosis, you're always in "the club." We survivors walk on egg shells in hopes of never having a recurrence. How can you differentiate a suspicious symptom from a normal symptom? What do you have to compare it to? This is one of the main reasons that doctors encourage some type of journaling or documenting. If you don't journal for peace of mind, at least document or keep records for your health's sake. Again, there are many benefits in journaling, but it is essential for the cancer patient and survivor.

Know When to Get Help

Sometimes journaling is not enough. Anxiety and fear can lead to depression and require clinical attention. If you are in a "low" mood for the majority of the day and for several days, please seek attention. For more information about when to seek help, symptoms, and or treatment, please visit the American Cancer Society.

Get Started Journaling

For more tips on how to get started journaling, please visit the Center for Journal Therapy. In the meantime, you can check out these affordable and unique journals to get started: