How Cancer Has Destroyed Our Mental Health (and how we’re still laughing)

Episode 4

In this podcast episode, we’re talking about how cancer affects mental health, and how going on potentially one of the toughest journeys imaginable, it is possible to come out of the other side still laughing. Both of us have had an extremely difficult time during Malin’s battle with colon cancer, and we’re chatting about how we try to keep a positive mindset throughout all the darkness, how Malin has been the victim of online bullying, and how we would like to do our part to normalise the discussion around mental health.

The Journey through Cancer: A Rollercoaster Ride

Our journey began with a chill in the air and a cloud of uncertainty as we navigated our way toward one of the most challenging periods in our lives—Malin’s battle with colon cancer. We’ve always tried to find humor in our struggles, but cancer is a foe that tests even the brightest of spirits. As we sat recording our podcast about mental health, we realised there was a lot left to be said.

The Initial Shock and the Transition

The shock of Malin’s diagnosis brought a whirlwind of emotions. Tom, initially in denial, struggled to accept that it was indeed cancer. It wasn’t until many appointments and difficult conversations later that the reality sank in—cancer was now part of our lives. During this time, our mental health took a significant hit. We found ourselves in survival mode, focused solely on getting through treatments. Meanwhile, Tom tried to juggle work, parenting, often at the expense of his own mental well-being.

Keeping a Positive Mindset in the Face of Darkness

Even through the darkest days, we discovered the importance of laughter. We joked about the absurdities of our situation—even when I got a stomach bug just days after stoma surgery. In our podcast, we discussed how essential it was to look for the positive, even when bombarded with bad news. We believe maintaining a sense of humour and a positive outlook was crucial in navigating this painful journey.

Online Bullying and Its Impact

Unfortunately, the internet isn't always a kind place. Throughout our journey, we encountered online bullying, which further strained our mental health. Malin faced cruel comments about the appearance of her colostomy and her condition. It’s horrifying that during such a vulnerable time, people could be so heartless. Nevertheless, we chose to focus on the overwhelming positive support we received, rather than the negativity. We talked about this in our podcast about mental health, emphasising the need for kindness and understanding, especially when people are battling something as severe as cancer.

Normalising the Discussion Around Mental Health

One of our goals with this podcast about cancer was to help normalise the discussion around mental health, especially in the context of a cancer battle. Mental health struggles are just as significant as physical ones, and it's vital to talk openly about them.

Throughout Malin’s treatment and recovery, we both realised the importance of mental health support, having mental health resources was indispensable. It’s crucial that the healthcare system continues to recognise the impact of mental health in overall recovery.

Coping Strategies and Moving Forward

As we move forward, we continue to explore ways to cope with our mental health challenges. For Tom, this includes managing anxiety and finding time for self-care amidst the chaos of parenting and supporting Malin. For Malin, it involves processing the trauma of cancer and learning to live beyond survival mode. Our cancer podcast serves as a therapeutic outlet where we can share our stories and, hopefully, help others who might be going through similar experiences.

Kindness and Support

We hope our conversation highlights the importance of being kind and supportive towards one another. Whether it’s through sharing a smile, offering a word of encouragement, or simply being present, small acts of kindness can make a huge difference.

In our podcast, we delve deep into these themes, aiming to shed light on the often-overlooked mental health struggles that accompany a cancer diagnosis. We encourage everyone to listen, share, and join us in normalizing this critical conversation.

Thank you for taking the time to read about our journey. If you'd like to hear more, tune into our podcast where we continue to share our story, offer insights, and hopefully, bring a smile to your face even in the toughest of times.

Stay Strong, Stay Positive

Malin & Tom