Second to Nature

Tag: anxiety

  • Stress, Anxiety, and Your Health

    Stress, Anxiety, and Your Health

    Stress, Anxiety, and Your Health

    Second to Nature Encourages Worrying Less to Boost Wellness

    This month, Second to Nature discusses stress, anxiety, and your health. How can worrying less boost one’s wellness? You may be familiar with this concept already, but let’s take a holistic look at health and wellness.

    Those with breast cancer, or any type of illness, may encounter the words, “Rest, Heal, Feel Better Soon.” On an intuitive level, we understand the importance of resting, doing as little as possible, and letting the body heal. Resting, sleeping, napping, and taking breaks, are nature’s way of shutting out the world and turning off stress and anxiety.

    Curing What Ails Us, Starting with Lowering Stress

    Feelings of stress and anxiety in the body produce a hormone called “cortisol.” It occurs naturally as part of our “flight or fight” response to some sort of worry. Your body can maintain a higher level of cortisol for as long as it senses imminent trouble or danger.

    We manage cycles of stress every day without thinking much about this ‘flight or fight mode.’ However, our intelligent body keeps track of stress instinctively. Curing what ails us may take a concerted effort to mindfully reduce stress and anxiety.

    Too Much of a Good Thing is Not Always a Good Thing

    We may ignore our level of stress or how much of this stress hormone is in our system. It may be harder to ignore the elevated level of cortisol’s effects on our body. An imbalance or overabundance can lead to several physical problems that directly impact wellness:

    • Increased Blood Sugar
    • Heightened Memory and Attention
    • Increased Blood Pressure
    • Suppression of the Immune System
    • Decreased Serotonin
    • Decreased Sensitivity to Pain

    Let’s connect the dots: Increased blood sugar, elevated attention, and blood pressure can provide a burst of energy. Our body responds this way naturally to help us manage an occasional threat. The adage, ‘too much of a good thing is not always good’ comes to mind. Being in this state constantly would cause problems for those with diabetes, high blood pressure, or other health challenges.

    Your Wellness Can Start With Awareness and Addressing Stress

    On the whole, when our body responds to stress with cortisol, it suppresses our immune system and adds to suffering. This heightened mental state can keep us from getting adequate sleep at night. The chemical serotonin decreases, as does one’s sensitivity to pain. Think of the impact of this when a loved one or a healthcare provider asks how you are feeling!

    Dealing with stress and putting aside our ‘everyday’ worries can be a crucial part of our wellness routine. True, ‘everyone deals with stress,’ and has their share of woes and worries. Finding ways to relax by reducing and eliminating stress can have a significant, positive effect on your health and wellness.

    Learn more by calling Second to Nature in Roanoke, VA, at (540) 366-2711. Follow and like us on Facebook for additional updates. We’d be happy to talk more about stress, anxiety and your health.

  • Common Mental Health Issues Related to Breast Cancer

    Common Mental Health Issues Related to Breast Cancer

    Common Mental Health Issues Related to Breast Cancer

    Second To Nature Looks Ahead to Mental Health Awareness

    For Second To Nature’s April message, we’re sharing mental health issues related to breast cancer ahead of Mental Health Awareness Month. Receiving a breast cancer diagnosis, and undergoing treatment, significantly impacts patients’ mental health. It’s quite common for patients to experience anxiety and depression; usually they’re temporary, but sometimes they become clinical. Treatment side effects can even cause insomnia and mood swings. Sometimes patients on especially difficult cancer journeys develop PTSD.

    Anxiety and Depression are Common Mental Health Issues Related to Breast Cancer

    The most common mental health issues related to breast cancer are anxiety and depression, two sides of the same coin. Anxiety is when you feel uncomfortable, worried, or fearful about a situation. Those on breast cancer journeys often experience anxiety pre- and post-treatment; they’re anxious about the treatment’s effectiveness and side effects. Post-treatment anxiety also includes fear of recurrence – anxiety about the cancer coming back.

    With anxiety usually comes depression. Feelings of helplessness, guilt, and worthlessness are symptomatic of depression. Other symptoms include trouble making decisions focusing, or remembering, as well as extreme tiredness or less energy unassociated with treatment. If a patient’s depression causes thoughts of death or suicide, or attempts of suicide, please contact a crisis hotline ASAP.

    Patients Might Also Experience Insomnia, Mood Swings, and Even PTSD

    Insomnia, mood swings, and PTSD are also common. Sometimes mood swings and insomnia are simply side effects of breast cancer treatments. Difficulty falling or staying asleep or difficulty waking up are signs of insomnia. Quickly switching between happiness and cheerfulness to sadness, irritability, or anger is symptomatic of mood swings.

    Developing PTSD is Another Mental Health Issue Related to a Breast Cancer Diagnosis

    PTSD is short for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder. According to breastcancer.org, a German study found that 82.5 percent of women with an early-stage diagnosis had symptoms of PTSD. Generally, their symptoms begin between the initial finding and starting treatment. PTSD symptoms include nightmares about the cancer experience, feeling emotionally numb, being startled or frightened easily, and self-destructive behavior.

    To inquire about custom breast prosthesis and mastectomy education, call Second To Nature in Roanoke, VA, at (540) 366-2711. Get updates on Facebook when you like and follow us. Our team wants to help you find resources to deal with mental health issues related to breast cancer.

  • Mental Changes of Living With Breast Cancer

    Mental Changes of Living With Breast Cancer

    Mental Changes of Living With Breast Cancer

    Some Insight on Mental Changes from Second to Nature in Roanoke, VA

    Second to Nature in Roanoke, VA, assists with living with breast cancer and understanding mental changes. It’s important for those living with breast cancer to consider the mental shifts that come with the diagnosis. Many diagnosed with breast cancer process the news in the same manner as grief. They go through stages of denial, anger, bargaining, depression, and acceptance. However, each patient is different and processes their diagnosis and journey in different ways. This month, we will explore some different mental changes and what you can do if you experience them.

    The Onset of Depression and Anxiety

    Acceptance of breast cancer is not an easy task. Concerns of what will happen next loom in the air from day to day. Worries and fears of treatments, financial impacts, physical capabilities, and the overall prognosis are heavy burdens to carry. It is quite common for breast cancer patients to acquire mental health issues, including depression and anxiety, after diagnosis.

    Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is also another common development of breast cancer patients. Those that recovered from their breast cancer journey sometimes live in fear of a recurring diagnosis. For some, the worry of reoccurrence is so strong that it negatively impacts their overall quality of life.

    It is best to treat mental changes like depression and anxiety early on. Consult your doctor right away if you notice any of the following changes in your emotional state:

    Ongoing sadness, hopelessness, or feelings of emptiness

    Complete lost of interest in things you once enjoyed

    Uncontrollable worry

    Trouble focusing

    Feelings of panic or distress

    Self-isolation

    Feeling helpless, useless, or ashamed

    Major changes in sleeping or eating patterns

    Thoughts of self-harm

    Experiencing Mood Swings – From High To Low

    Accepting a breast cancer diagnosis is not always the easiest task. In addition to trying to cope and understand what it means to have breast cancer, other factors also impact mood. Certain treatments and medications fluctuate hormone levels and induce chemical changes in the brain. These changes are often the culprit of mood swings, from emotional highs to emotional lows. Irritability, anger, and frustration are typical emotions linked to mood swings.

    Although mood swings are often side effects, Breastcancer.org recommends some of these methods to help curb sudden changes in mood:

    Identify and avoid sources of stress connected to changes in mood.

    Exercise to help relieve stress, balance emotions, and ease mood swings.

    Maintain a consistent sleeping pattern to ensure you are getting enough rest.

    Implement a healthy diet of several snacks and small meals throughout the day to balance energy levels.

    Try holistic activities, such as yoga or meditation, to help relieve stress and induce relaxation.

    Mental Changes to Your Sense of Self-Image

    The physical changes that accompany breast cancer have a major impact on one’s self-image. Some patients lose confidence in their appearance and feel less attractive than before their diagnosis. Treatments, such as chemotherapy, often cause noticeable changes in physical appearance, including hair loss. Surgeries to remove breast cancer leave scars behind. In advanced cases, patients may require a mastectomy (the removal of the breast). This may leave female patients feeling incomplete or less feminine.

    Losing a positive sense of self is disheartening. Fortunately, you do not have to face these challenges alone. There is an entire industry committed to helping breast cancer survivors feel their best. Second to Nature proudly serves residents in the Roanoke, VA, area and has the best selection of post-mastectomy apparel. From accessories to prosthetics, Second to Nature combines quality products with personalized experiences to help customers feel body positive.

    A Good Support System Works Wonders

    A breast cancer diagnosis is something that no one should have to endure without assistance. Although the journey is difficult, having a solid support system can help tremendously. Sometimes, you may need someone to talk to with a kind, listening ear. Other times, it helps to have someone assist you with certain tasks if you are not feeling well.

    Close people in your life, like family, friends, and co-workers, are all great outlets to help you along the way. When you think of who could be a part of your support system, consider those who promote feelings of positivity. They will likely be the same ones that will stand by your side during the journey that awaits you.

    Support groups are also a great path to explore for breast cancer support. Meeting with individuals going through the same thing often provides a sense of solidarity for breast cancer patients. Many organizations, such as National Breast Cancer Foundation, Inc., provide multiple resources for those seeking breast cancer support groups.

    Consider Meeting With A Counselor About Mental Changes

    Oftentimes, speaking with a professional is the best option to help someone with breast cancer manage their mental changes. Counselors offer a variety of benefits. They provide a neutral ear to talk to and discuss feelings you don’t wish to share with anyone else. In addition to being good listeners, they are also trained to identify shifts in mental changes. While you may not notice that something is different, counselors can pinpoint an issue before it becomes too serious.

    The mental changes that come with breast cancer are tricky to navigate. Remember that acceptance and healing take time. Be kind to yourself and do not be afraid to reach out for support.

    Second to Nature in Roanoke, VA, is Here for You

    We understand that a breast cancer diagnosis is difficult to navigate. The certified and compassionate staff at Second to Nature in Roanoke, VA, offers a range of post-mastectomy products and services. We provide a warm and knowledgeable experience for each customer and give support for a positive sense of self-image.

     Second to Nature is located in the Woodhaven Office Park, at 5450 Peters Creek Road. Call for an appointment at (540) 366-2711 or use our contact form. Follow us on Facebook for specials, breast cancer prevention news, and updates from Second to Nature. Contact us today for education and support of persons living with breast cancer and understanding the mental changes.