S5 Ep2: Naz on mental health and resilience

Nazanin Derakshan is a professor who specialises in cognitive neuroscience of anxiety and depression. She founded and works at the BRiC Centre, an organisation that helps people who've had a breast cancer diagnosis feel less anxious and improve their quality of life.In this episode Laura talks to Naz about her research, her own breast cancer diagnosis, and how her organisation BRiC (Building Resilience in Breast Cancer) supports the mental health of people with breast cancer. She also shares insightful strategies to deal with the challenges faced by people after diagnosis and treatment.You can find out more about The BRiC Centre or follow BRiC on: Instagram @briccentre Twitter/X @BC_Resilience Facebook @resilienceinbreastcancer You can also follow Naz personally on: Instagram @profnderakshan Twitter/X @ProfNDerakshanWe’re Breast Cancer Now, the research and support charity. However you’re experiencing breast cancer, we’re here. For information and support, visit our website breastcancernow.org or phone our free helpline on 0808 800 6000 (UK only). You can watch this episode on YouTube.Key Topics:0:00 Introduction0:24 Laura introduces Naz2:06 Naz's experience of breast cancer6:37 The BRiC Centre and Naz's work15:26 Explaining why 'chemo brain' happens23:26 The pressure of others' expectations28:55 Hormone effects on the brain31:22 Finishing active treatment38:11 The pressure of social media41:45 The psychological vs physical cost of cancer46:24 Dealing with scan anxiety/'scanxiety'49:40 Managing spiralling thoughts56:27 Dealing with empty thoughts and depression59:49 The most effective tool for mental health