Surviving breast cancer is a monumental achievement, a testament to resilience, courage, and the human spirit’s capacity to endure. Yet, life after cancer isn’t always a straight path to joy and relief. For many survivors, including myself, the journey involves navigating a complex emotional landscape—fear of recurrence, body image struggles, and the lingering echoes of treatment. But what if we could turn this mental maze into an opportunity? What if we could psych ourselves out—not into anxiety, but into a powerfully positive mindset? As a breast cancer survivor, I’ve learned that we can shift our perspective and can transform the way we live beyond the diagnosis.
“Psyching ourselves out in a positive way isn’t about ignoring the past—it’s about reclaiming the future.”Barbara Jacoby
The phrase “psyching ourselves out” often carries a negative connotation—talking ourselves into fear or self-doubt. But let’s flip the script. After my diagnosis, I found myself trapped in cycles of worry, imagining every ache as a sign of cancer’s return. It was exhausting. Then, during a particularly sleepless night, I stumbled across a simple idea: what if I used that same mental energy to convince myself of something good instead? It wasn’t about denying reality but redirecting my focus. I began experimenting with small, deliberate mind games to build a more hopeful narrative.
One technique I adopted was visualization. Each morning, I’d close my eyes and picture my body as a fortress—strong, healed, and capable. I’d imagine my immune system as a team of tiny warriors, patrolling and protecting me. It sounds whimsical, but studies suggest visualization can reduce stress and even improve physical outcomes. For me, it became a daily ritual that replaced dread with a sense of control. I wasn’t just a survivor waiting for the next blow; I was an active participant in my own well-being.
Another tool was re-framing setbacks. Post-treatment fatigue or a bad day could easily spiral into “I’ll never feel normal again.” Instead, I started telling myself, “This is my body proving how hard it fought.” A scar wasn’t a flaw—it was a badge of victory. This mental pivot didn’t erase the struggle, but it gave it meaning. By choosing to see strength in vulnerability, I began to feel it too.
Community played a huge role in this positive psych-out. Connecting with other survivors—through support groups or even casual conversations—reminded me that I wasn’t alone. We’d shared stories, laughed about the absurdities of cancer life (like the wig that flew off in a windstorm), and celebrated milestones. Their victories became mine, and mine theirs. This collective energy was a psychological boost, reinforcing the belief that thriving was possible. It’s no surprise research shows social support improves mental health outcomes for cancer survivors.
Of course, this isn’t about toxic positivity—pretending everything’s fine when it’s not. Some days, the fear creeps back, and that’s okay. The trick is not letting it take charge. I’ve learned to acknowledge those moments, then gently nudge myself toward something constructive—writing, taking a walk, or blasting music and dancing like no one’s watching. These acts aren’t cures, but they’re lifelines, pulling me back to a place of agency.
As breast cancer survivors, we’ve already defied the odds. Why not defy our own doubts too? Psyching ourselves out in a positive way isn’t about ignoring the past—it’s about reclaiming the future. It’s telling ourselves that I’ve survived this, and I can build something beautiful from it. I’m not just a survivor; I’m a storyteller, a warrior, a woman who’s learned to harness her mind’s power. And if I can do it, so can you. Let’s psych ourselves out—into hope, into strength, into life.
Barbara Jacoby is an award winning blogger that has contributed her writings to multiple online publications that have touched readers worldwide.