Sharron Moffatt (MHFA®/ACSM)’s Post

Ever heard of the word Scanxiety? Yes, it is real, and boy, do I know it. 🤦🏻♀️ ‘Scanxiety’ - Scan anxiety is a cancer patient’s fear and worry associated with CT, MRI and PET imaging. ☢️ The what-ifs start flooding in: What if it's cancer? What if the treatment isn't working ? What if cancer has returned? ❌ 3 in 5 people find the mental health challenge of cancer harder to cope with than the physical. ❌ 82% of people who had cancer find fear cancer returning and pressure to ‘get back to normal’ as hardest things to deal with post their cancer treatment. ❌ 29% of cancer survivors experience PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress) We need to wake up to the fact that cancer is a mental challenge as well as a physical one. 🧠 What is your organisation doing to educate and support employees about cancer awareness❓ ⚠️ 1 in 2 of us will get cancer in our lifetime, waiting for the inevitable isn't an option. 💚 _ _ _ _ _ _ ❌ An estimated 890,000 people of working age are living with cancer in the UK and around 700,000 people are juggling work and caring for someone with cancer. ❌ 71% of UK employees who have cancer fear telling their colleagues about their diagnosis. ❌ l in 5 people with cancer who returned to work after their diagnosis faced discrimination at work. 🚀 → Want to join other organisations and learn how to talk about cancer in the workplace? 🔒 → Book a free call in April 📩 → DM me the word “WIG” or visit the link in bio #CancerAwareness #MentalHealth #MentalHealthFirstAid #SuicidePrevention #Speaker

🎗️ October signifies Breast Cancer Awareness Month, a crucial time for reflection and action. 🌸 In my capacity as HR Practitioner, Sociologist , Mental Health Advocate, and Advocate for Drugs & Substance Abstinence, I emphasize the profound intersection of holistic health and breast cancer."Breast Cancer doesn't care about your race, sex, age, socio-economic status. You can receive a breast cancer diagnosis even if you lead a healthy lifestyle; it doesn't discriminate !" Within the corporate sphere, HR leaders can play a pivotal role in supporting employees affected by breast cancer. Implementing empathetic policies, flexible work arrangements, and ensuring access to comprehensive healthcare can significantly alleviate the burden faced by employees enduring this challenging journey. It is also paramount to acknowledge the holistic impact of breast cancer. Emotional and psychological well-being often walk hand in hand with the physical battle. As a Mental Health Advocate, I underscore the significance of mental health support during these times. Seeking assistance is a sign of resilience, not weakness. In my advocacy for substance abstinence, I wish to stress the importance of patients being cognizant of their overall well-being, recognizing the potential interactions between substances and their treatment or recovery process. This October, let us unite in our commitment to raise awareness, extend unwavering support, and foster comprehensive well-being for those facing breast cancer. Together, we can strive towards a future where early detection and compassionate care lead to improved outcomes. 🌸🎗️ #BreastCancerAwareness #HolisticHealth #HRLeadership #MentalHealthSupport #EmpathyInAction

Rebuilding Confidence - Body Image and Self Esteem Facing cancer is emotionally profound, and for those who've had mastectomies due to breast cancer, the journey can be exceptionally challenging. A crucial aspect requiring attention and support is their body image and self-esteem. Consider the experience of a woman who bravely confronted breast cancer and chose mastectomy to increase her chances of survival. While the surgery successfully removed the cancer, she grappled with complex emotions about her changed body. This experience highlights the common struggles many mastectomy survivors face. The physical changes caused by the procedure can lead to feelings of loss, self-doubt, and shame, affecting their self-perception. Feelings of self-worth can take a significant hit, leading to questions about attractiveness and femininity and creating a sense of isolation from one's body. These emotions are not uncommon among mastectomy survivors and can hinder emotional healing. Despite the challenges, there's hope. Support systems play a pivotal role in the recovery process, providing a safe space for individuals to express their feelings and fears and begin the process of reclaiming their body image and self-esteem. Addressing body image and self-esteem in mastectomy survivors requires a multifaceted approach. Providing psychological support through therapy and counseling can help individuals navigate complex emotions, fostering a positive self-image. Peer support groups create safe spaces for sharing experiences and coping strategies. Education about post-mastectomy body changes can demystify the process, reducing anxiety. Encouraging self-care practices, such as self-compassion and mindfulness, can promote self-esteem. Additionally, promoting awareness and acceptance of diverse body types and images can challenge societal beauty norms, further empowering individuals to embrace their unique selves with confidence and pride. #MastectomySurvivors #BodyImage #SelfEsteem #CancerRecovery #SupportGroups #Empowerment #SelfCare #MentalHealth #Acceptance #Resilience

Day 9 Head & Neck Cancer Awareness Month I had gotten into the habit of doing Color Runs with my friends a few years before my diagnosis, and was very bummed that the 2019 Baltimore run was going to occur between my surgeries and start of radiation. I asked my surgeons if I could participate anyway, and they said as long as I didn't overexert myself (lets be honest, I never actually "run"), it was a go! We named the team "Sun's Out, Tongues Out" and had a blast. I had finally started to be able to eat real food very slowly, and I felt good. Tired, obviously, but the time with my friends and being out around joyful people made me forget for a little while what I was up against. I'm a firm believer that positive psychology (NOT toxic positivity) and a great support system have played a massive role in how well I've healed. I was fortunate that I had the support system already in place, but the positive outlook took A LOT of work. And not just on my part, but also the people around me. It required a balance between the opposite ends of seeing everything as horrible because we didn't want to be vulnerable to joy, and seeing everything through rose-colored glasses because we wanted to hide from what we needed to face. The real healing power, for anyone, comes when we can recognize that this one thing that feels all-encompassing sucks, but it's really only one part of a vast, ever-changing life we're living. That isn't toxic positivity, that's the tragic beauty of human life. #headandneckcancer #tonguecancer #survivorship #AYAcancer #healing #growth #positivepsychology #supportsystem

The impact that a cancer diagnosis can have on an individual’s mental health is significant, yet 85% of employees with a cancer diagnosis want to carry on working. This highlights a need for effective support strategies to be put in place by businesses to help colleagues living with cancer. Knowing how to communicate productively yet sensitively with colleagues in your workplace who are affected by cancer is essential. It’s important to understand what kind of language and what type of conversation is likely to encourage them to get across what they need to say, while feeling comfortable. Here are some useful approaches to help you manage conversations about cancer. Remember there is no such thing as a perfect script – the main aim is to be aware of the pressures, which people affected by cancer face. * Find an appropriate place to talk i.e. not in a busy office environment. * Listen actively. * Avoid continually linking back to own experience. * Don’t always feel the need to fill the silence. * Follow the other person's lead. If they bring up the topic, ask them if they’d like to talk about it more. * Make sure you are fully engaged with them when talking, put your phone on silent/ away etc. * Be mindful of your language, e.g. try not to describe someone as brave or an inspiration. Visit https://lnkd.in/ehB46hgx for more information about courses, which teach these skills and provide vital guidance for managers and colleagues alike. #Canceratwork #Cancer #CancerSupport #WorkingwithCancer #MentalHealth #EmotionalSupport #EmotionalWellbeing

🌟 Importance of Emotional Support & Mental Healthcare for Cancer Patients 🌟 💙 Cancer patients face unique challenges beyond physical health. Prioritizing emotional support & mental healthcare is crucial. Kaiser Permanente Colorado's innovative program is a testament to this. By placing behavioral health specialists in primary care, they simplify scheduling and ensure comprehensive support for patients. Here's why this approach is essential: 1️⃣ Holistic Well-being: Addressing psychological & emotional needs enhances patients' overall quality of life during treatment. Integrating mental healthcare into primary care settings creates a seamless support system. 2️⃣ Coping & Resilience: Dedicated behavioral health specialists equip patients with coping strategies, fostering emotional strength & adaptability. By having these specialists within the primary care setting, patients can easily access the support they need. 3️⃣ Improved Outcomes: Comprehensive care reduces stress, improves treatment adherence, and leads to better treatment responses. Let's recognize the importance of emotional support & mental healthcare for cancer patients. Programs like Kaiser Permanente's exemplify the positive impact of integrating these services. Together, we make a difference. 🌷 #EmotionalSupport #MentalHealthcare #CancerCare #SupportMatters #Healthcare #CancerSupport #KaiserPermanente https://lnkd.in/emQe4cUn

Being diagnosed with lung cancer is incredibly challenging, both physically and mentally. Many people experience anxiety and depression as they navigate their treatment. That's why current research is looking into how Artificial Intelligence (AI) can help address these mental health challenges effectively. Recent studies are promising. AI is being developed to detect mental health issues early and provide ongoing, tailored support. These tools are still being tested, but they're starting to change how support is offered, making sure no one has to face the emotional impacts of lung cancer alone. As this technology develops, it aims to bring personalised mental health care into lung cancer treatment, making care more compassionate and effective. This work is a big step in improving how we support lung cancer patients by recognising the importance of mental health in their overall care. ALK+ UK has also introduced a new range of mental health resources on our website to help those affected by cancer. Check out these resources and find support 🔗 https://lnkd.in/eaxjMJPA #MentalHealthAwarenessWeek #LungCancer #ALKPositive #AIHealthcare

A 2016 journal article by Izci, Ilgun, Findikli, and Ozmen in the Journal of Breast Health titled, Psychiatric Symptoms and Psychosocial Problems in Patients with Breast Cancer, maintains that “diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer may induce psychological challenges such as anxiety, depression, anger, uncertainty about the future, hopelessness, desperateness, fear of recurrence of cancer, fear of separation from relatives, fear of pain, decrease in self-esteem, impairment of body image, fear of losing sexual capabilities, anxiety of not being loved or shown interest, and fear of death.��� As a mental health professional, I want to highlight the impact of a breast cancer diagnosis on a person’s mental health and acknowledge that even though we celebrate with the survivors during this Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and are thankful for their lives, we want them to know that we also recognize and admire the courage they exude as they face new fears and new challenges. #BreastCancerAwarenessMonth #livingbeyondbreastcancer #pinktogetherstrongerforever

Patient perspective is instrumental in becoming better doctors. Through their eyes, we gain insight and empathy. It's those human hopes and fears that tie us all together. Not every doctor will experience the tough challenge Dr. Kellie Schneider did. But, we can all learn from her journey. #PatientExperience #PatientAdvocacy #BetterCare

"World Rose Day: Fostering Hope and Well-being in Cancer Patients" World Rose Day, also known as The Welfare of Cancer Patients Day, is an annual global observance that unites individuals in support of those engaged in the challenging battle against cancer. As a psychologist, I would like to provide some #perspectives on the profound significance of this day and how we can offer essential psychological assistance to #cancer patients. ➡️ History: The genesis of World Rose Day is deeply rooted in the remarkable narrative of Melinda Rose, a young cancer patient who, against formidable odds, inspired others with her #resilience. This commemorative day serves as a poignant reminder of the inherent #strength within cancer patients. ➡️ Significance: 📝 Physical and Emotional Struggles: Cancer exacts not only physical suffering but also inflicts considerable mental and emotional distress. World Rose Day emphasizes the pivotal role of #empathy and #support, underscoring the message that cancer patients do not stand alone. 📝 Cultivating Hope: The primary objective of this day is to instill optimism and #hope in the lives of cancer patients. From a psychological standpoint, hope is a cornerstone of resilience and #recovery. 📝 Psychological Support: Providing psychological support encompasses: 🌹 Active Empathetic Listening: Offering a compassionate presence and allowing patients to articulate their fears and concerns. 🌹 Positive Reinforcement: Encouraging a constructive outlook by highlighting patients' strengths and accomplishments. 🌹 Coping Strategies: Sharing evidence-based coping mechanisms such as #mindfulness, relaxation techniques, and guided imagery to manage #anxiety. 🌹 Facilitating Support Networks: Connecting patients with peer support groups or therapeutic interventions where shared experiences provide solace. 🌹 Acts of Kindness: Small gestures, including the gift of roses and #inspirational words, possess the capacity to elevate morale and evoke positive affective states. From the vantage point of #psychology, World Rose Day underscores the transformative potential of #love, #compassion, and psychological support in the combat against cancer. By extending emotional guidance, we can assist cancer patients in discovering hope, #courage, and resilience along their journey to recovery. In #unity, we wield the ability to make a profound difference by nurturing their psychological well-being in the face of this formidable adversary. #worldroseday #cancerpatient #psychologystudents