I survived Stage 3 cancer. I was surprised to find myself struggling with my mental health after it

Elizabeth Barnes, the owner of an education center in Ottawa, recently shared her personal journey of battling breast cancer and the lasting impact it has had on her mental health. After being diagnosed with Stage 3B breast cancer in June 2018, Barnes went through a whirlwind of treatments, surgeries, and appointments, all while trying to keep up a brave face for her children.

Despite being declared cancer-free and finishing active treatment in early 2019, Barnes found herself constantly plagued by anxiety and fear of a cancer recurrence. She described how every cough or ache would send her spiraling into obsessive Google searches, sleepless nights, and a constant state of worry. The recent passing of her brother, who also battled cancer, only heightened her fears and anxieties.

It wasn’t until a routine blood test came back with slightly abnormal results that Barnes realized the extent of her health-related anxiety. Sweating, trembling, and nauseous, she knew she needed help. Turning to Google once again, this time to search “anxiety related to health,” she discovered that her struggles were not uncommon. Seeking therapy was a turning point for Barnes, helping her to acknowledge and address the trauma she had been carrying for years.

Now, six years post-diagnosis, Barnes reflects on her journey and the impact her brother’s death had on her. While she is physically healthy and no longer in active therapy for health anxiety, she acknowledges that she must remain vigilant and seek help if negative thought patterns resurface. She is grateful for the support of her family, the care of her medical team, and the therapy that has helped her navigate the emotional toll of her cancer journey.

Barnes hopes that by sharing her story, she can bring understanding to others struggling with health-related anxieties and encourage them to seek help. Her message is one of resilience, self-awareness, and the importance of prioritizing mental health alongside physical well-being.