Category: Mental Health

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My cancer, my blessing – Lessons and advice from a cancer survivor.

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It was a sunny July day 2017 when my journey began, my life changing episodic events, which I now see as blessing, a chance for me to change the trajectory of my life.

I am now mentally and physically stronger, able to fulfill my life’s purpose with more vibrance and love than ever before.

When I received the diagnosis of a stage 3 colon cancer and the results of the 63 removed lymph nodes showed only 1 of them had cancer cells, I saw it as a wakeup call to change my daily mental and physical habits, and to prioritize the importance of a well-balanced life.

If I had listened to the signs my body was telling me and acted in accordance with the recommended screening for colon cancer prevention, my cancer may have been prevented. But I tried to focus on being happy that I had not taken even longer, or it could have been too late.

To my family and friends, I have always been seen as one who would always help them through their hardships. For the first time, they saw me vulnerable, someone who also needed them. My cancer brought us together as family, each took a part giving a helping hand and heart. We learned that “it takes a village”, we are a team, I am not alone.

Workwise, I have always been considered an unstoppable locomotive working long hours and remarkably close to patients and therapists. My passion to support and guide with my experience would often last from dawn to midnight.

It was only during my treatment, when I could no longer really work as much as I liked, and with the suggestions from my family, that I transferred much of my knowledge and expertise to others by hiring supportive supervisors and creating trainings through video. This proved to be a very effective endeavor, allowing me to help more people through an online platform, successfully treating, consulting therapists and patients and completing therapy-based projects to reach patients globally.

These past few years have been focused on listening to my body, my mind and what makes my heart beat faster with joy. I realized how close I came to my end of life, I also realized I had so much more to do, so much more to give.[/vc_column_text][vc_row_inner css=”.vc_custom_1629387752423{border-bottom-width: 10px !important;padding-top: 20px !important;}”][vc_column_inner width=”1/6″][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”2/3″][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1629386826543{margin-right: 10px !important;margin-left: 10px !important;padding-top: 30px !important;padding-right: 30px !important;padding-bottom: 30px !important;padding-left: 30px !important;background-color: #edf7de !important;}”]

My Cancer… My Blessing: A New Beginning

Like tiny particles of sand whirling into the gusts of air
each one landing to form a fresh blanket a new surface.
My Cancer… My Blessing.

Like a lightning bolt spitting a tree
and a new sprout grows in its place.
My Cancer… My Blessing.

Like a train full speed ahead
stopping before a fatal crash.
My Cancer… My Blessing.

Like a Harsh winter’s snowstorm
before the new day of spring.
My Cancer… My Blessing.

A New Beginning.

Amee Cohen

[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/6″][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_column_text]If I could give you some advice, these would be it:

1. Listen to your mind and body. If you feel something is not functioning as it is supposed to, do not wait. Contact your physician.
2. Don’t stress over small problems. If you can only count to 10 and take deep breath, there is always a calm solution.
3. Be grateful. Practice looking at everything as a miracle, even in tiny simple things like feeling the breeze on your face, opening your eyes in the morning, or hugging your child.
4. Build meaningful relationships. Work is important but the people around you are paramount.
5. Have a purpose. No matter what you do, make your career about touching people’s lives.


Amee Cohen, President and founder of AC&Associates

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Despite the benefits of using Mobility Aids many people who could benefit from these devices choose not to use them. One of the reasons? Social stigma!

Walkers, canes, crutches, braces, wheelchairs, electric scooters… More than to avoid accidents from happening or further damage, Mobility Aids aim to guarantee people’s freedom and independence despite limitations caused by disabilities, injuries or aging.

Although autonomy and safety are key motivators of mobility devices use, the will to avoid social stigma is what holds some patients back. Concerns such as discrimination, negative attention or even of being perceived as inferiors or too fragile may reduce acceptance and contribute to the abandonment of mobility aids

On the other hand, other users of mobility aids state that they feel strong and proud of using their devices, as it shows that there is always a way to adapt to limitations in order to do the things they love or want to do.

A number of patients states that mobility devices make their disabilities visible and become a welcome card for people to ask invasive questions that most mobility aid users are not comfortable answering.

Those who have anxiety or feel ashamed of using mobility devices are more likely to be sedentary and to limit social contact, which may lead to other conditions such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, poor cognitive function, and depression.

After receiving the recommendation to use a Mobility Aid, having the assistance of an Occupational Therapist is highly encouraged. They can not only suggest the right tools but also teach how to use those tools and their accessibilities in order to gain more self-confidence.

As this process goes beyond physical preparations, it’s also paramount to find a good Mental Health professional who can help through stages such as grieving and accepting the need of using a mobility aid or learning how to cope with social anxiety.

From a grieving or acceptance stage to coping with social anxiety of using mobility aids, patients can benefit a lot from speaking with a Mental Health Professional.

If you thought about yourself or a loved one when reading this blog post and believe that a follow up from an Occupational or Behavioral Therapist would help him or her, schedule a Live Video Consultation and Teletherapy Sessions with us at www.acandassociates.com .

Click here to learn more about our Occupation Therapy Sessions.

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Although people who suffer from Borderline Personality Disorder may share some of the same symptoms, they are not all alike.

Impulsivity, moodiness, unstable self-image, inappropriate busts of anger, intense and stormy relationships, self-injury, or thoughts of self-harm… Although people who suffer from Borderline Personality Disorder may share some of the same symptoms, they are not all alike.

Theodore Millon, an APA award winner whose theories helped define how scientists think about personality and its disorders, identified four different subtypes of Borderline Personality Disorder. These subtype concepts might help people with Borderline Personality Disorder and their therapists identify specific areas of concern that require special attention.

While someone suffering from BPD may or may not fall into one of these subcategories, others may even fall into more than one of them. Symptoms may change overtime and manifest differently with individuals.

What exactly are the Types of Borderline Personality Disorder and their individual characteristics?

borderline

  • Impulsive Borderline Personality: People who suffer with Impulsive Borderline Disorder as perceived as thrill-seekers, risk-takers, unpredictable, charismatic, highly energetic, and easily bored. Their endless appetite for attention and adventure often leads them to act without measuring consequences. These individuals often act without thinking and are also susceptible to self-harming behaviors and suicidal thoughts and actions.

 

  • Discouraged Borderline Personality: These individuals tend to seem clingy, co-dependent, and less assertive. Their strong desire for approval and acceptance, and their feelings of inadequacy and inferiority towards others, often make them prone to depression. They are more likely than other types of BDP to use self-harm as a coping mechanism. They can eventually become suicidal if they don’t get the help they need.

 

  • Petulant Borderline Personality: This subtype is characterized by individuals who are critical, pessimistic, impatient, unpredictable, irritable and prone to outbursts of anger or frustration, especially when disappointed by other people. They fluctuate between trusting people and keeping a distance for fear of disappointment. Their feelings of unworthiness and anger can make them be quite explosive. It is really hard for them to admit when they are wrong. They tend to be willful, often stubborn and defensive, using passive-aggressive behaviors as a way of lashing out at people who displease them. These individuals also show symptoms of depression as well as paranoid personality.

 

  • Self-Destructive Borderline Personality: People with Self-Destructive BPD are usually self-hatred introverts who are often co-dependent. They tend to conform to other people’s beliefs and expectations due to a strong fear abandonment.  They share traits of depression. Their self-destructive behaviors can be presented in different ways such as poor healthcare, reckless driving etc.  They tend to have a high rate of suicide.

 

What are the Treatment Options? 

About 70% of people with Borderline Personality Disorder will make at least one suicide attempt during their lifetimes. Finding help in a timely manner can prevent you or your loved one from being part of this statistic.

Although there is no cure for BORDERLINE PERSONALITY DISORDER, therapy and certain medications (such as antidepressants, mood stabilizers and antipsychotics) can decrease the intimidating and overwhelming symptoms of this serious medical disorder. Whether you or a loved one suffer from any of the BPD subtypes presented here, you should find an effective treatment plan.

Visit us now at www.acandassociates.com to schedule a Live Video Consultation with a Medical Specialist who can help reach a diagnosis and find the best treatment plan for you.

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We look forward to helping you through your journey of healing and wellness!