Emma shares her Invictus Games story

Summary

In 2016, the speaker was diagnosed with stage two glioma, a brain tumor, but has remained treatment-free. Initially struggling with depression and anxiety, they found solace through psychiatry, psychology, and the Invictus Games, which provided a sense of purpose and community. The speaker emphasizes the importance of staying engaged in social activities and taking ownership of one's health. They also highlight the benefits of companionship, such as owning a pet, in managing illness and maintaining mental well-being.

Takeaways

• 🏥 The speaker was diagnosed with stage two glioma, a type of brain tumor, in 2016.
• 💤 The tumor has remained dormant, and the speaker has not required treatment thus far.
• 😔 Initially, the diagnosis led to feelings of depression and anxiety due to being run down and without a support partner.
• 👩‍⚕️ A referral to a psychiatrist and psychologist helped manage the low mood disorder and anxiety.
• 🏋️‍♂️ The Invictus Games team and support network played a significant role in psychological recovery.
• 🚴‍♂️ Engaging in sports and having a purpose helped the speaker get out of bed and train every day.
• 🏆 Participation in the Invictus Games provided a sense of identity and community reengagement.
• 👫 The speaker observed the positive impact of the games on team members who were previously reclusive.
• 😌 The speaker has accepted the diagnosis and it no longer causes the same level of stress.
• 📢 Advice for dealing with illness includes staying engaged in community or sports, taking ownership of health, and seeking help promptly.
• 🐶 Getting a pet provided companionship and facilitated social interaction, which was beneficial during the recovery process.

Q & A

What type of brain tumor was the speaker diagnosed with in 2016?

The speaker was diagnosed with a stage two glioma in 2016.

How has the speaker's brain tumor affected them since the diagnosis?

The speaker has been fortunate that the tumor has remained dormant, and they haven't had to receive any treatment.

What mental health issues did the speaker experience after the diagnosis?

The speaker suffered from a low mood disorder, depression, and anxiety surrounding the diagnosis.

What role did the Invictus Games team play in the speaker's life?

The Invictus Games team was a part of the speaker's support network and provided a sense of purpose and motivation to train and represent their country.

How did the Invictus Games impact the speaker's teammates?

The Invictus Games helped some of the speaker's teammates who were previously reclusive to engage in community organizations and participate in an international sporting event.

What advice does the speaker give to others dealing with illness?

The speaker advises staying engaged in community organizations or sports teams, taking ownership of one's health, and seeking help for mental health issues.

How does the speaker feel about their diagnosis now?

The speaker has accepted their diagnosis, moved on, and it no longer causes them the stress it used to.

What is one practical tip the speaker suggests for those going through a similar experience?

The speaker suggests getting a pet, like a dog, for companionship and as a way to engage with others and different social networks.

What was the speaker's initial reaction to their diagnosis?

The speaker was initially very miserable about the diagnosis and felt it could have tipped them over the edge due to their already low energy and mood.

How did the speaker's support network help them cope with their diagnosis?

The speaker's support network, including specialists and the Invictus Games team, played a huge part in helping them cope by providing psychological support and a sense of purpose.

What is the significance of the Invictus Games for the speaker and their teammates?

The Invictus Games is significant as it provides a platform for individuals to regain a sense of identity, community, and purpose, which can be crucial for mental and emotional well-being after facing illness or injury.

Outlines

00:00

🏥 Overcoming a Brain Tumor Diagnosis

The speaker shares their experience of being diagnosed with a stage two glioma in 2016, a type of brain tumor. They express gratitude for the tumor remaining dormant and not requiring treatment. They discuss the emotional impact of the diagnosis, including feelings of misery and the lack of a support person. The speaker highlights the importance of mental health support, mentioning referrals to a psychiatrist and psychologist to cope with a low mood disorder, depression, and anxiety. They also emphasize the role of the Invictus Games team in providing a sense of purpose and community, which helped in their recovery journey.

Keywords

💡glioma

Glioma is a type of malignant brain tumor that originates from glial cells, which provide support and protection for neurons in the brain. In the script, the speaker was diagnosed with a stage two glioma, indicating a relatively advanced stage of cancer. The mention of glioma sets the context for the personal challenges the speaker has faced and their subsequent journey towards recovery and mental health management.

💡dormant

In the medical context, 'dormant' refers to a state where a disease or condition is not currently active or progressing. The speaker mentions that their glioma has remained dormant, which means they have not required treatment so far. This term is crucial as it highlights the uncertainty and potential for change in their health status, while also emphasizing the importance of ongoing monitoring and mental preparedness.

💡psychiatrist

A psychiatrist is a medical doctor specializing in mental health, including the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of mental, emotional, and behavioral disorders. The speaker was referred to a psychiatrist due to experiencing a low mood disorder, depression, and anxiety following their diagnosis. This keyword is significant as it underscores the impact of a serious health condition on one's mental well-being and the importance of seeking professional help to cope with such challenges.

💡psychologist

A psychologist is a professional who studies behavior and mental processes, often providing therapy and counseling to help individuals understand and manage their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. The speaker's engagement with a psychologist is highlighted as part of their support network, which played a crucial role in managing their mental health following the diagnosis. This term is important as it represents the multidisciplinary approach to health care that includes both medical and psychological support.

💡low mood disorder

A low mood disorder is a general term for conditions characterized by persistent feelings of sadness, hopelessness, or a lack of interest or pleasure in activities. The speaker mentions suffering from a low mood disorder, which is directly related to the psychological impact of their cancer diagnosis. This keyword is significant as it illustrates the emotional turmoil that can accompany serious health conditions and the need for appropriate support and treatment.

💡Invictus Games

The Invictus Games is an international adaptive multi-sport event in which wounded, injured, or sick armed services personnel and veterans participate. The speaker mentions the Invictus Games team as part of their support network and a driving factor for their mental health recovery. This keyword is important as it represents the community and camaraderie that can be instrumental in the healing process for individuals facing health challenges.

💡engagement

Engagement, in the context of the script, refers to active participation in social activities, organizations, or sports teams. The speaker advises staying engaged as a strategy for dealing with illness, emphasizing the importance of maintaining social connections and activities to foster a sense of purpose and community. This keyword is central to the video's message about the role of social interaction in mental health and recovery.

💡ownership

Taking ownership over one's health implies being proactive and responsible for one's well-being, including seeking medical advice and making informed decisions about treatment. The speaker encourages taking ownership of one's health, which is exemplified by their proactive approach to dealing with their condition. This keyword is significant as it highlights the importance of personal agency in managing health issues.

💡companionship

Companionship refers to the state of being with someone and sharing experiences, providing emotional and social support. The speaker mentions getting a dog as a means of companionship, which helped them go out and engage with others, thus improving their mental health. This keyword is important as it illustrates the therapeutic benefits of pets and social interaction in the context of dealing with illness.

💡mental health

Mental health encompasses a person's emotional, psychological, and social well-being. It affects how one thinks, feels, and behaves, and can impact daily life. The script discusses the speaker's struggles with depression and anxiety, which are components of mental health. This keyword is central to the video's theme, as it addresses the mental health challenges that can arise from a serious health diagnosis and the strategies to manage them.

💡represent

To represent means to act or speak as a spokesperson for a group or to stand for a group's interests. In the script, the speaker mentions the opportunity to represent their country as part of the Invictus Games team, which provided a sense of purpose and motivation. This keyword is significant as it ties into the broader theme of finding meaning and identity through participation in communal activities, despite health challenges.

Highlights

Diagnosed with stage two glioma, a type of brain tumor, in 2016.

The tumor has remained dormant without needing treatment.

Initially felt run down and tired, potentially leading to a mental breakdown.

Lack of a close support system during diagnosis made the situation more challenging.

Referred to a psychiatrist and psychologist for low mood disorder and anxiety.

Specialists and support network played a crucial role in coping with the diagnosis.

Participation in Invictus Games provided a sense of purpose and motivation.

Invictus Games team helped in re-engaging with communities post-military service.

Witnessed the positive impact of Invictus Games on team members' social engagement.

Currently feeling good and not letting the diagnosis affect daily life.

Acceptance and moving on from the diagnosis has reduced stress.

Advice for dealing with illness includes staying engaged in community or sports.

Encourages taking ownership of one's health and seeking help for mental health issues.

Getting a dog provided companionship and facilitated social interaction.

Emphasizes the importance of staying engaged, taking ownership, and having companionship.

Transcripts

In 2016 I was diagnosed with a stage two glioma,

which is a type of brain tumour.

I've been fortunate enough up until this point

that it has remained dormant

and I haven't had to receive any treatment.

I think at that point, because I was so run down and tired,

that diagnosis would have tipped me

over the edge a little bit,

and there was a huge potential for me to retreat.

I was pretty miserable about it.

My family live in Tasmania, I was single at the time

and I didn't have that one person that I could really turn to.

From my diagnosis, my GP referred me

to a psychiatrist and psychologist.

I was suffering with a low mood disorder,

a bit of depression and anxiety surrounding that diagnosis,

and with those specialists and also my support network,

that played a huge part in that,

and that includes the Invictus Games team last year.

For me, it's very much a part of looking after myself.

I think, psychologically giving myself something

to aim towards, and a purpose, and a driving factor

to get out of bed every morning and train,

and also another opportunity to represent my country.

I'm lucky enough that I'm still serving,

but I've seen it over my years that once that identity is

taken away, people really suffer to reengage

with their communities. I think Invictus Games

last year was just testament to that.

We had members on the team that wouldn't leave the house

and now they're engaging in community organisations,

they were part of a team, they walked out

on an international sporting stage in Toronto,

and I can only see it getting better from here in Sydney.

I'm feeling really good.

I am at the point now where my diagnosis

doesn't play on my mind.

I've accepted it, I've moved on.

It's not to say that I don't think of it occasionally,

but it certainly doesn't cause me

the stress that it used to.

My advice, or my top tips I guess, for dealing with illness

and coming to terms with that illness

is to remain engaged, whether it be

in a community organisation or sports team,

your social network. Just stay engaged and

as much as you might like to retreat, don't let yourself.

Also, take ownership over your health and really strive.

If you notice that something is wrong

or something is not quite right, especially in regards

to your mental health, flag it straight away.

Seek the help, there's always options.

I got a dog.

I know that sounds silly, but companionship

is really important, especially if you're alone

and you're going through something like this,

and by getting a dog it enabled me to go out walking

and then from there you meet other people

and you're engaging in a completely different network

just by having a pet.

So, little things like that are really important to me.

Stay engaged, take ownership,

and have a companion in whatever form.