077: Trauma & Anxiety: Going From “Why Me?” to “What Now?” with Sarah Falk

Sarah Falk has received more than a few extremely scary cancer diagnoses in her life: the first one at only 17 years old (bone cancer) and the second at 40 years old (breast cancer). Naturally, she found herself asking, “Why Me”? But as you’ll hear, a better question to ask yourself is, “What now?”

Sarah is a mom to 4 boys, a mental health therapist, an author, and 4-time cancer survivor. She has taken her traumatic experiences and used them as a source of deep understanding of the challenges these diagnoses come with. Having specialized in anxiety, panic, and trauma, her work is particularly focused on a treatment called Accelerated Resolution Therapy.

Today, Sarah shares her best tips on redefining life post-diagnosis, dealing with grief, healing your mind, and connecting with others. You’ll hear how she helps those facing similar challenges embrace their situation and find joy by choosing to see the miracles around us.  

Key Takeaways with Sarah Falk

• The impact of caring and involved social workers
• Dealing with a difficult diagnosis as a teenager 
• Redefining life post-diagnosis (adjusting to difficult life changes) 
• Getting involved with the hospital community as an in-patient 
• How to support someone who is in the hospital 
• Shifting your mentality from “Why me?” to “What now?”
• Healing anxiety through mind, body, and spirit practices 
• Sharing your journey to support and connect with others 
• Explaining your diagnosis to your children
• Learning to pause when possible (breathing & journaling)

Show Notes:

Get Full Access to the Show Notes by visiting: MatteasJoy.org/77.

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