15 Mar How a Psychologist can help you after a Cancer Diagnosis

Can a Psychologist really help me with what’s ahead after such shocking news?

Cancer can be a very frightening and often unexpected diagnosis. It is important to know there are a number of professionals who can help not only you, but also your family members. Having an Oncologist is often the first professional people think of after having been given a Cancer diagnosis. Unfortunately, not many people think of having a Psychologist during such challenging times.
Often people have various questions and fears regarding their diagnosis. A lot of these questions may be answered by Oncologists but there are a lot of questions especially about how you are feeling emotionally that Psychologists may be better placed to answer.
Psychological treatment enables you the opportunity to freely state how you are feeling. It enables you to see what you are feeling is only natural and most importantly, it will make you realise although it may feel like a very lonely experience, you don’t have to do it alone.

If you experience any of the following, it is important to consider having psychological support:
• Symptoms of anxiety- particularly panic
• Reporting feeling down or depressed
• Feelings of sadness
• Fears about the cancer spreading
• Uncertainty about the future
• Feeling out of control
• Having a negative outlook
• Concerns about how the family/partner is coping
• Fears and thoughts about dying and death

Your treating GP can give a Mental Health Care Plan to see a Psychologist.

At Vida Psychology Pam Newton will not only be able to help you with your diagnosis, but make sense of it and what it means for you. She will empower you to gain the resilience you need to face what is ahead of you.

Below are some sites you can visit where you can get reliable information:

Cancer Council 13 11 20.  Information and support for you and your family for the cost of a local call anywhere in Australia.

Cancer Council Australia website

Cancer Australia

Breast Cancer Network Australia
1800 500 258

Don’t put it off any longer and call Vida Psychology on 9328 8200 or email us at appointment@vidapsyhology.com.au

You may like to ask yourself, why do this alone?

Carmen Beaumont (Principal Psychologist & Director)
Pam Newton (Psychologist)