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Start noticing your thoughts

Your own thoughts can sometimes feel like the harshest enemy.
They whisper doubts, magnify flaws, and convince you of things that aren’t true.

No one else can hurt you the way your own mind can when it goes unchecked.
But the truth is, you don’t have to believe every thought that comes to you.

When a negative thought appears, pause. Notice it. Ask yourself—is this fact, or is this just fear speaking?

Guard your mind the way you’d guard your health. Protect your inner peace. Because the moment you stop letting your thoughts control you, they lose their power.

Start noticing your thoughts today. The more you practice, the stronger your awareness becomes. Does this work for anyone?

Also, if you're going through a tough time right now, I want you to know that I post daily mental health videos about how I recovered from depression and suicide back when I was a teen. So if you or anyone you know is struggling with these issues and wants help, click on one of the links below or write me if you have any questions:

www.instagram.com/thomas_of_copenhagen

www.tiktok.com/@thomas_of_copenhagen

#MentalHealth #MentalHealth #Depression #Anxiety #BipolarDisorder #BorderlinePersonalityDisorder #Addiction #dissociativedisorders #ObsessiveCompulsiveDisorder #ADHD #Fibromyalgia #EhlersDanlosSyndrome #PTSD #Cancer #RareDisease #Disability #Autism #Diabetes #EatingDisorders #ChronicIllness #ChronicPain #RheumatoidArthritis #Suicide #MightyTogether

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How we spend our time

When you are struggling with depression, time can feel heavy and endless. Days blur together, and it feels like nothing will ever change.

But the truth is, we don’t have as much time as we think. Life is short, and that’s exactly why what we choose to give our attention to matters so deeply.’

You can spend your energy stuck in the same painful thought loops. Or you can slowly begin to direct that energy toward the small things that matter: reaching out to someone you trust, taking care of your body, practicing even one moment of gratitude.

None of us know how much time we have left, and that’s not meant to scare you. It’s meant to remind you that every choice counts.

So start today. Focus on what matters to you, no matter how small. Even the smallest step can shift the direction of your life.

What’s one thing that truly matters to you right now? Share it in the comments and let’s keep each other focused on what’s important.

Also, if you're going through a tough time right now, I want you to know that I post daily mental health videos about how I recovered from depression and suicide back when I was a teen. So if you or anyone you know is struggling with these issues and wants help, click on one of the links below or write me if you have any questions:

www.instagram.com/thomas_of_copenhagen

www.tiktok.com/@thomas_of_copenhagen

#MentalHealth #MentalHealth #Depression #Anxiety #BipolarDisorder #BorderlinePersonalityDisorder #Addiction #dissociativedisorders #ObsessiveCompulsiveDisorder #ADHD #Fibromyalgia #EhlersDanlosSyndrome #PTSD #Cancer #RareDisease #Disability #Autism #Diabetes #EatingDisorders #ChronicIllness #ChronicPain #RheumatoidArthritis #Suicide #MightyTogether

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What do you choose?

When you are in the middle of depression, optimism can feel impossible. Your mind tells you every reason why things are hopeless and convinces you that you should give up before you even begin.

But here’s the thing: optimism isn’t about pretending everything is perfect. It’s about giving yourself permission to see even the smallest possibility of light in the middle of the darkness.

Choosing optimism does not erase your pain, but it creates space for hope to exist alongside it. And hope is often the first step toward healing.

So today, ask yourself: what is one small thing I can be optimistic about? Maybe it’s a conversation you’ll have, a moment of peace, or simply the fact that you’ve made it this far.

It feels better to choose optimism, even in small doses. And with time, those small choices can add up to a new way of living.

What’s one thing you can feel optimistic about today? Share it in the comments and let’s remind each other that hope is possible.

Also, if you're going through a tough time right now, I want you to know that I post daily mental health videos about how I recovered from depression and suicide back when I was a teen. So if you or anyone you know is struggling with these issues and wants help, click on one of the links below or write me if you have any questions:

www.instagram.com/thomas_of_copenhagen

www.tiktok.com/@thomas_of_copenhagen

#MentalHealth #MentalHealth #Depression #Anxiety #BipolarDisorder #BorderlinePersonalityDisorder #Addiction #dissociativedisorders #ObsessiveCompulsiveDisorder #ADHD #Fibromyalgia #EhlersDanlosSyndrome #PTSD #Cancer #RareDisease #Disability #Autism #Diabetes #EatingDisorders #ChronicIllness #ChronicPain #RheumatoidArthritis #Suicide #MightyTogether

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Chasing Attention

It hurts deeply when you sense someone pulling away. Depression can make that pain feel even heavier, because your mind twists it into proof that you are unwanted or unworthy.

But the truth is, someone avoiding you often says more about them than it does about you. People carry their own struggles, fears, and limitations.

Chasing after their attention only leaves you emptier.

Your energy is precious. Protect it by giving your time and heart to those who value you. Let go of the people who cannot show up for you, and open space for the ones who can.

You deserve connections built on respect, kindness, and love.

Think of one relationship that drains you more than it fills you. What boundary could you set today to protect your peace? Share your thought in the comments.

Also, if you're going through a tough time right now, I want you to know that I post daily mental health videos about how I recovered from depression and suicide back when I was a teen. So if you or anyone you know is struggling with these issues and wants help, click on one of the links below or write me if you have any questions:

www.instagram.com/thomas_of_copenhagen

www.tiktok.com/@thomas_of_copenhagen

#MentalHealth #MentalHealth #Depression #Anxiety #BipolarDisorder #BorderlinePersonalityDisorder #Addiction #dissociativedisorders #ObsessiveCompulsiveDisorder #ADHD #Fibromyalgia #EhlersDanlosSyndrome #PTSD #Cancer #RareDisease #Disability #Autism #Diabetes #EatingDisorders #ChronicIllness #ChronicPain #RheumatoidArthritis #Suicide #MightyTogether

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befriending yourself

Loneliness can feel crushing when you are battling depression. You might convince yourself that no one understands, that no one is there for you.

But the most important relationship you will ever have is with yourself. When you learn to treat yourself with kindness, patience, and compassion, you begin to feel less alone.

You become your own ally instead of your own enemy.

This does not happen overnight. It starts with small acts of self-care. Speaking to yourself gently instead of with criticism. Allowing yourself rest without guilt.

The more you practice, the more you realize you don’t have to wait for someone else to make you feel whole.

You can start by befriending yourself.

Take a moment today to notice how you’re speaking to yourself. Could you replace one harsh thought with a kind one? Share it in the comments and inspire someone else who needs to hear it.

Also, if you're going through a tough time right now, I want you to know that I post daily mental health videos about how I recovered from depression and suicide back when I was a teen. So if you or anyone you know is struggling with these issues and wants help, click on one of the links below or write me if you have any questions:

www.instagram.com/thomas_of_copenhagen

www.tiktok.com/@thomas_of_copenhagen

#MentalHealth #MentalHealth #Depression #Anxiety #BipolarDisorder #BorderlinePersonalityDisorder #Addiction #dissociativedisorders #ObsessiveCompulsiveDisorder #ADHD #Fibromyalgia #EhlersDanlosSyndrome #PTSD #Cancer #RareDisease #Disability #Autism #Diabetes #EatingDisorders #ChronicIllness #ChronicPain #RheumatoidArthritis #Suicide #MightyTogether

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I have some acquaintances in a near by senior group-but I could not make friends— if I gave my phone- i texted too much- the relationships did not work- I think they feel I would be too much

so, my husband’s friends- I don’t think care so much abt the texting— but I have a difficult time tolerating my husband’s friends/ I am beginning to see they may be my best option-

around where I live- they too upset me very much-

it is where would be good?

maybe best I stay right here.

I bothered my sister-about two or three times w texts- but this iis typically rare

not being a bother to family/ is like so important to me.

then ‘ again/ i have no connection w my husband again- i am safe.

soun so depressing-my next step is a retirement home

I have to think abt where I have been

-the reality- is so depressing, so depressing for me/

Understand some people have more difficult challenges— and still keep a positive attitude- I applaud these people.- good going. Keep on keeping on.

i should tell myself the same-

i do have time- some time to get myself out there. I should make the most of every opportunity-

instead of sitting in my chair

what is so so hard/ when I had my first Dr. - he said I was depressed/ I said “bc I am here”.( in a psych hospital-

the other patients acted in ways I did. not appreciate - I did not like being there at all The dr said/ - “ I don’t think so”

the only way to leave was to sign out -AMA

i was told the insurance would not pay-

before too long I began unloading on the dr- psychiatrist- telling him how I felt/

the dr used the words decisions

a

before i knew I waz a person I did not know. My thoughts were different/ I acted differently/

After that my life changed forever

I wanted my old self back/ the dr dropped me as a patient bc i would not go in the hospital again/ i iN my mind my struggles at the time were minimal but someone asked me to marry him/ all the dr said was “ i don’t think so.”

we were so in love. My family loved this person

the doctor gave me a referral bc i refused to go back in the hospital under his care-

this dr had too much control over me/ - he encouraged me to cheat on this boyfriend/ i did/ I am not a cheater

In my mind this Dr - turned me into someone i did not know- and o did not feel I liked.

I said - “ no I won’t go in the hospital ‘l

hr dropped me as a patient on a the spot- w a referral

i tried to explain. To him why i didn’t want to go in the hospital again. I said - “ you changed me!”

he replied “ how can I change you ?”

not much more was said- he did not seem to care/

this Dr had again highly encouraged me to create a big problem at my job. I had no idea how to handle this problem. Another way this Dr had such control over me. I was unable to go against this Dr.

The Dr said— “whatever you do keep going to work/ “

I did not know what happened to me. I had told this Dr I had never heard of a psychiatrist bf. Or a therapist. Or anything to do emotional problems.

I was so confused.

I had gotten dependent on this Dr.

i tried the referral. No help/ no connection/

i lasted only a; few days at work/

in a few days time -I lost my fiancé , my job and all my friends-

when I was under this drs care/ i asked him if o could see my friends. He replied-“ not yet.’”

this Dr had been in control/

I loved some of these friends. I loved my fiancé

I loved my job.

my dad had cancer at the time

i ended up taking another leave of absence from my job.

In my mind - w the lack of structure from my job - is how i got schizophrenia.

So it has been a long battle. That first hospitalization happened when i was 25 .it has taken close to 50 years for me to finally get off the meds/ wishful thinking- I am not there yet.a but I am hopeful. I have health issues i think bc of some meds. . A lot remains to be seen.

In my mind i was happy bf that dr got a hold of me..I was very happy - i loved my job and i loved my friends

And now/ 50 years later- I realize after - i have tried to get in touch w a friend recently/ from the past - it does not work/ i simply/ can’t forget all i have been through / all my mom went through- all my siblings went through-no children.

my husband is a nice person/

I did have a boyfriend when i went into the hospital-the first time- this boyfriend was not-a nice person- he was abusive-( mildly) .

I think- instead of that first Dr changing my entire personality.-in that first hospitalization -

then dumping me w no support/

that Dr been better if he had encouraged me to stand up to some of the women. Or had I seen a social worker, a psychologist.- who would have helped me -break up w the abusive boyfriend.. And left me the hell alone except for helping me stand up to some of those women.

some of the group of friends that I had - though some were nice people.- some of them -like my husband’s friends a were insensitive. And some not nice.

I am very sensitive.

i .- what happened is i had heard voices/ -only once - while at work.

when one of the girls acted out- I buried it. I totally stopped going back to my college. So I had stopped that support -support I needed. I should have stood up to the woman who upset me to the point I stopped going back to school - instead of doing that I latched on to this abusive boyfriend

but of course I was not told that what I should stand up to some of the girls. by a professional.a until about- 50 years later-

I just can’t get past the past. So, I am afraid—I think all those relationships from the past are gone/

for good -

I dk. But Maybe

in my mind I was very happy back then.

o just can’t get past the past

-still thr loss of many of those friends is so heartbreaking 💔 a loss even now is so hard to take. So, you can imagine how o felt after that dr i dropped me as a patient. It was gut wrenching - my boyfriend -who o loved very much and.i was so so happy w., lost my job.my friends.

I have to accept what i have. And realize- many of those girls-are in.different place than me. best to stay away- life now is a lot different than when I was in my early 20’s. Acceptance

i realize- a number of people -here have situations that require more struggle. And create more challenge. I think I should keep this in my mind/I wish you well- everyone here/ 🙏🙏

look for gratitude

I don’t know what i can do about the loss. / have to let go. .. eventually.

and there are some people here- who have a lot more in their lives than I do.

i think we all have to try to continue to do the best we can.

in my mind -my problem were exacerbated by the diagnostic psychiatrist I went to who recommended a psychiatrist and a hospital. At the time my only mission was to break up a the boyfriend.-—and stand up to a few women back at school. It turned out to be so so much more.

I understand it was’ my decision to go in the hospital / but it ruined me. I was not safe.

even 50 years later. It is still difficult for me to go against medical advice.

I did connect w 1 friend from this group.- partially throughout this process - it was after the nursing home that I was able to talk all about the group of girls/ and some of the things that happened 50 years ago. this friend said to me/ all you had to do was stand up to some of the girls. But I don’t hear from this friend anymore. And if I did - I don’t know the relationship would work. This friend was extremely kind to me.

The friend who o recently contracted- .this is when I found out things would most likely not work. I have to try to fix - this.- this friend was unbelievably kind to me back then.

The things about all this is- most all the women/ from 50 years ago/ except maybe 2 - were kinder and nicer/ but the same - not so sensitive /as my husband’s friends.

Life goes on is you are lucky 🍀

i

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i

s

(edited)
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When depression takes over, it’s easy to move through life like you’re rushing to escape it.
Your mind races ahead.
Your body follows without thinking.

But what if you slowed down?
What if you moved as if each step mattered?

Feel your feet connect with the ground.
Notice the weight shifting.
Notice the rhythm of your body.

Let each step be steady, calm, and intentional.
When you move this way, you remind your mind that you are safe.

You teach your body there is no emergency right now.
You leave peace behind you instead of tension.

Sometimes recovery starts with something as simple as a slower step.

Next time you walk — even if it’s just across the room — try it slowly.

Breathe…Notice…

How does it change the way you feel?

Also, if you're going through a tough time right now, I want you to know that I post daily mental health videos about how I recovered from depression and suicide back when I was a teen. So if you or anyone you know is struggling with these issues and wants help, click on one of the links below or write me if you have any questions:

www.instagram.com/thomas_of_copenhagen

www.tiktok.com/@thomas_of_copenhagen

#MentalHealth #MentalHealth #Depression #Anxiety #BipolarDisorder #BorderlinePersonalityDisorder #Addiction #dissociativedisorders #ObsessiveCompulsiveDisorder #ADHD #Fibromyalgia #EhlersDanlosSyndrome #PTSD #Cancer #RareDisease #Disability #Autism #Diabetes #EatingDisorders #ChronicIllness #ChronicPain #RheumatoidArthritis #Suicide #MightyTogether

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