5 tips for staying optimistic

It could be hard to navigate day-to-day life while dealing with any illness. But an early breast cancer diagnosis

can be especially difficult. As a breast cancer survivor myself, trust me, I've been there.

It can be really hard. [GENTLE MUSIC]

Join a support group. Joining a cancer support group can help you work through your feelings with a group of individuals who have also dealt with cancer.

You can talk about anything from your emotions to practical advice for dealing with early breast cancer. These groups have been shown to help patients with cancer

cope with anxiety and depression and help you feel more hopeful. Talk to a professional.

Much like a support group, talking to a professional counselor or therapist can help you work through your feelings

and cope with the challenges that come from a cancer diagnosis. It can also help you deal with anxiety, depression,

and feel more in control. Practice mindfulness. Practicing mindfulness can help you reduce stress, anxiety,

and depression and help you increase your positive emotions. Mindfulness comes in many different forms, meditation,

breathing techniques, or even just the slow thoughtful walk outside noticing everything around you.

Embrace your new normal. An early breast cancer diagnosis can be a life-changing event. Often, individuals will have to come

to terms with a new normal. But what that means for you will be unique to the individual. While many of these changes will be challenging,

adapting to your new normal may also give you a newfound sense of meaning or change your perspective.

Finally, feel your feelings, whether they're good or bad. Sometimes you're not going to feel particularly positive,

and that's OK. Pretending to be positive is actually a bad thing. It can make you feel more alone.

Don't ignore or bury the feelings you're having. Talk about your feelings with others. It can help you feel more optimistic overall.

[GENTLE MUSIC] [AUDIO LOGO]