PTSD After Cancer: Trauma-Informed Support for San Diego Survivor

clytenjeri
Jan 17
3 min read

A cancer diagnosis can be traumatic. Learn how PTSD may develop after cancer and how trauma-informed support for survivors in San Diego, CA, can help.

A cancer diagnosis and treatment can be psychologically traumatic, potentially leading to Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), a treatable condition characterized by intrusive memories, avoidance, hypervigilance, and mood changes. Specialized, trauma-informed therapy in San Diego can help survivors process this medical trauma, reclaim a sense of safety, and move forward with their lives.

The journey through cancer, from diagnosis to treatment and into survivorship, is a profound test of body, mind, and spirit. While the physical battle is often at the forefront, the psychological impact can be equally deep and enduring. For many survivors in San Diego, the intense fear, loss of control, and invasive procedures can leave invisible wounds, sometimes manifesting as Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).

At Jabali Health in San Diego, we understand that surviving cancer is not just about the absence of disease; it’s about healing the whole self. We specialize in trauma-informed therapy that acknowledges the unique trauma of a medical crisis and provides a safe, compassionate path to recovery.

What is PTSD? Understanding the Condition

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a mental health condition that can develop after experiencing or witnessing a terrifying, shocking, or dangerous event. It is a natural response for the nervous system to become "stuck" in a state of high alert long after the immediate threat has passed. While commonly associated with military combat or assault, any life-threatening experience, including a serious medical crisis like cancer, can be a triggering event.

Cancer as Trauma

A cancer diagnosis, with its sudden upheaval, aggressive treatments, and pervasive uncertainty, is a potent traumatic stressor. You may find yourself replaying difficult moments, feeling on constant alert, or withdrawing from life even after your doctor says you’re “in remission.” This is not a sign of weakness; it’s a sign that your nervous system has undergone an extraordinary ordeal and needs specialized care to return to safety and peace.

Recognizing the Signs of PTSD in Cancer Survivorship

The symptoms of cancer-related PTSD can be subtle, often mistaken for general anxiety. You might experience:

Distressing memories, nightmares, or emotional flashbacks triggered by smells (like antiseptic), places (the oncology center), or dates (diagnosis anniversaries).
Going out of your way to avoid doctor’s appointments, support groups, or conversations about illness, even when necessary for your health.
A constant feeling of being “on guard,” irritable, jumpy, or having difficulty sleeping—a persistent state of scanning for the next threat.
Feeling detached from loved ones, persistent guilt, loss of interest in activities you once loved, or a deep-seated fear of the future.

The Jabali Health Approach: Specialized, Trauma-Informed Care for Survivors

Healing from medical trauma requires more than just talk. It requires a therapeutic space built on safety, trust, and empowerment. Our approach at Jabali Health is rooted in trauma-informed principles, creating a sanctuary where you guide your own healing at a pace that feels safe.

Pathways to Healing: Our Therapeutic Modalities

Our San Diego therapist is trained in evidence-based methods specifically effective for processing trauma:

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia (CBT-I): Addresses the sleep disturbances that are common after cancer, helping you restore restful sleep, which is foundational for emotional healing.
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR): This powerful therapy helps your brain reprocess the traumatic “hot” memories of diagnosis, treatment, or fear, allowing them to become less distressing.
Somatic Therapy: Trauma lives in the body. We use somatic approaches to help you release the physical tension, anxiety, and hyperarousal stored from your medical experiences, fostering a renewed sense of safety within your own body.
Mindfulness & Grounding Skills: We teach practical tools to manage anxiety in the moment—especially useful during triggering events like follow-up scans or medical appointments.

Begin Your Next Chapter of Healing in San Diego

Cancer may have been a chapter in your life, but it doesn’t have to define the entire story. At Jabali Health, we believe in your capacity to heal, reconnect with joy, and rebuild a life rooted in strength and purpose, not fear.

Your survival is a testament to your resilience. Now, let’s tend to the parts that still hurt.

Ready to find peace beyond survival? The therapist at Jabali Health in San Diego is here to walk with you.

Contact us today to schedule a confidential consultation for trauma-informed cancer survivor support.

Jabali Health provides psychotherapy services in San Diego, CA, with a focus on trauma and creating a safe, compassionate environment for healing.