Establishing Cancer Mental Health Support

Establishing Cancer Mental Health Support is the topic of this episode of Discover Rising Tides, Jeanne speaks with Diane M. Simard, a life commentator, author, and advocate whose cancer journey reshaped her understanding of voice, healing, and the need for mental health support in cancer care. Diane shares how being diagnosed with stage 3 breast cancer led her to focus on the intersection of mental health and cancer, and inspired her to create a specialty at the University of Denver that trains future clinicians to support patients and caregivers. She also discusses the importance of journaling, trusting intuition, processing trauma individually, and using personal experience to build more compassionate, effective care systems.

Diane’s story highlights how trauma can become a catalyst for purpose, advocacy, and meaningful change. She also shares the books she has written, her ongoing advocacy work, and her website, where listeners can learn more and connect with her directly: dianemsimard.com.

In the earlier interview, Jeanne and Denise discussed The Four Agreements for Menopause, focusing on how “don’t take anything personally” can help during perimenopause and menopause. Denise explained how hormonal changes can affect mood, sleep, patience, and relationships, and why it helps to treat body signals as information rather than failure.

That conversation explored how curiosity, reflection, and journaling can help listeners better understand what their bodies are communicating and move forward with less blame and more clarity.

For more from Jeanne Gallagher and Discover Rising Tides, visit https://www.discoverrisingtides.com.