Content warning - Cancer, PTSD, self-harm
Episode Description
In this episode, our co-host Tesha, tells her story of being diagnosed with early-stage Cervical Cancer, her recovery, subsequent PTSD, and post-traumatic growth. She discusses her diagnosis, treatment, toxic positivity, and her journey towards healing from trauma.
Topics Discussed
(0:00) Diagnosis: Tesha talks about her response to being diagnosed with Cervical Cancer, having to tell friends and family, and her decision not to tell most people.
(7:58) Toxic Positivity: Tesha talks about the pressure “stay positive”, and keep up appearances, despite her fear and worries, throughout their diagnosis and treatment.
(18:00) The All-Clear: Tesha finally received the news she’d been waiting for, there were no remaining signs of cancer, and she no longer needed treatment, but something didn’t feel quite right.
(22:32) PTSD: Tesha discusses the symptoms leading up to her diagnosis: flashbacks, irritability, hyper-vigilance, nightmares, panic attacks, and dissociation
(27:00) Getting help: Tesha talks about seeing her family doctor for help, taking medication, and finally seeing a therapist.
(34:27) Post-Traumatic Growth: Tesha describes her journey towards post-traumatic growth, how she learned to start talking about her trauma, and began her journey towards growth.
(42:38) Final thoughts: Tesha talks about how others could have supported her during this time. She also talks about what she thinks others in her situation could do to help themselves.About Tesha Gibbon:
Tesha Gibbon is a Minimalist, and works full-time as an elementary school teacher. She lives with her husband, John and two daughters. She is a co-host of Now What? Podcast, and soon-to-be published co-author. Tesha has survived Cervical Cancer, and PTSD. She is passionate about the power of storytelling, and enjoying the simple things in life. You can find her on Instagram @simply_overcome or follow the podcast @nowwhat_podcast
Links for more information:
PTSD: https://www.camh.ca/en/health-info/mental-illness-and-addiction-index/posttraumatic-stress-disorder
Post-traumatic growth: http://www.ptsdassociation.com/post-traumatic-growth
Toxic positivity: https://thepsychologygroup.com/toxic-positivity/
Cervical Cancer: https://www.cancer.ca/en/cancer-information/cancer-type/cervical/cervical-cancer/?region=on
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