The Loneliness of Survivorship

Another reality of life after treatment can be a deep sense of loneliness.

During treatment, you likely had a medical team checking in regularly and perhaps a network of family or friends rallying around you.

Once treatment ends, though, that intense support often fades as everyone (including your doctors) goes back to “normal.” But your normal has changed.

It’s common to feel like no one quite understands what you’re going through now – that while others assume you’re fine, inside you’re still struggling. You might even hide your true feelings to avoid worrying loved ones, which can make you feel even more alone.

As the excitement of beating cancer dies down, people may expect you to move on quickly, not realising you’re still healing. This dynamic can leave you isolated at a time when you actually crave understanding and connection.

If you’re feeling lonely or misunderstood, remind yourself that this is a widely shared experience among survivors. You are not the only one who has felt left behind once the hospital visits stop.

Knowing this doesn’t magically fix the loneliness, but it might help you feel less “weird” or ashamed about it.

It makes sense: often everyone else can move forward except you, who may be stuck with anxieties and a changed outlook – of course that feels lonely.

So how can you combat this loneliness?

Don’t underestimate the power of opening up to the people and if you feel you don’t want to burden your usual circle (a common worry), that’s where coaches come in – they are literally there to listen and support without judgment, so you never have to feel like you’re “dumping” too much on anyone.

You don’t have to tough it out alone.

There are people who understand, and reaching out for connection is a sign of strength, not weakness.

Little by little, as you rebuild your life, you will rebuild your support network too – and find that you are surrounded by others who care.

If this resonates with you, I want you to know that support is available — and you don’t have to go through this next chapter on your own.

I offer a free, no-pressure session where we can talk through where you’re at.

It’s a safe space — just for you. 💜

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