Clinical Psychologist Dr Charlotte Tottman
Q: WHAT ADVICE WOULD
A: The silver bullet in all of this is exercise. I recommend you stay mobile and active. Moving helps your physical and mental health. If you’d like some emotional and psychological support, BCNA’s Upfront About Breast Cancer – What You Don’t Know Until You Do podcast series provides a combination of my own lived experience and professional know-how. I cover almost all the psychological consequences of a breast cancer diagnosis, treatment and aftermath. Plus, you can listen to it in your own time and when it suits you.
isolated, so check in and ask how things are really going for them. Third, look after yourself. Carers often feel invisible and that their own care needs must come last. However, if you are exhausted or unable to continue caring, it affects you and the person you’re caring for. Q: IS THERE ANY OTHER
YOU OFFER A SUPPORTER OF SOMEONE WITH BREAST CANCER?
A: First, appearances can be deceiving. Someone may look outwardly well but may still be struggling emotionally. Second, keep checking in with your loved one. People tend to flock in the early stages of a diagnosis and then vanish down the track. That’s when the person who’s been diagnosed may feel the most
MENTAL HEALTH SUPPORT OR STRATEGIES THAT YOU WOULD RECOMMEND?
Upfront About Breast Cancer – What You Don’t Know Until You Do Season 2 is available now! Season 2: Unlimited with Dr Charlotte Tottman focuses on Charlotte’s clinical experience and explores topics such as anxiety in a cancer context, managing behavioural changes, and the importance of setting boundaries for self-care. The podcast is available to listen to via BCNA’s Upfront About Breast Cancer website page, SoundCloud, Apple podcasts and Spotify. Read more about Breast Cancer Awareness Month and how we are helping you to live well, your way.
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bcna.org.au
Issue 96 | October 2023
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