Historical or mythological figures are often used to name and explain different psychological experiences. One of these figures is Damocles, which names Damocles syndrome.
The story of this figure serves to explain how a person who has overcome a very dangerous and difficult disease can fall victim to fear that it will recur, in this way Damocles syndrome is referred to as Damocles syndrome when there is a very strong disease. fear of relapse in the face of illness.
- This syndrome can be seen mainly in cancer patients.
- Who have had cancer.
- In these cases it is normal to have some fear of relapses.
- And it is even a desperate fear.
When this uncertainty or fear of the disease reappears it becomes very intense and affects the daily life of the person, we talk about Damocles syndrome, a situation in which anxiety and fear become pathological.
In this article, we’ll explain what Damocles syndrome is and how it can be properly managed to overcome it.
According to Damocles’ story, he was a courtier at the court of Dionysus II and moved around the table to enjoy all the advantages of being in place.
One night, however, at a banquet, Damocles looked up and realized that above him was a sword hanging by a very fine thread.
Realizing this reality, Damocles became unable to continue enjoying the banquet, only thought that at any moment the sword would fall on him.
A similar case occurs with cancer patients, who after overcoming the disease develop irrational relapse fears, which also increase as routine exams and follow-up hours approach.
The person has the feeling that the ghost of the disease can return to reality and, thus, everything he had gained so far in terms of restoring normal life can be lost in the blink of an eye.
Damocles syndrome occurs when there is an exaggerated fear of a relapse of the disease.
Damocles syndrome arises as a result of a life experience that connects humans with very intense fear, also implies the low tolerance to the uncertainty of all human beings and the situation of having no control.
All these aspects make surviving a major illness cause a psychological experience like this syndrome, which can also accompany the person for the rest of their life.
The worst part is that while medical criticism is positive, fear still doesn’t go away.
The person may even think that these reviews are not correct and therefore do not detect relapses, this can happen even with their loved ones.
All of this can be even more serious for children. Anyone who survives childhood cancer is likely to have this syndrome.
Thus, although the survival rate for childhood cancer has already exceeded 60% to 80% according to a study by the Mayo School of Medicine (Cupit-Link, Syrjala
Because in addition to the fear of death itself, we fear the pain and loss of a normal life, and in this way, any sign that may be an omen of the reversal of the order of things is seen with a very threatening character, this will have a great impact.
First, it is important to follow the medical instructions given by the specialist taking the case. Otherwise, it is not uncommon that, even with the best intentions, the people around us end up making our fear even greater with their opinions and stories.
Second, we must experience emotions, communicate them, and accept them.
In addition, it can be very useful for people who are survivors of situations that mark a milestone by dividing a before and after in life to look for a therapy group or other help, in these groups it is possible to learn how to manage emotions in a more appropriate way.
In this sense, working with the family of the former cancer patient is essential, as published in the scientific journal Journal of Cancer Education (Curda, 2010), working with the patient’s family is a key aspect of overcoming Damocles syndrome, as the family is an element of context that can increase or decrease the relapse of fear.
If you talk to someone who’s got over it without the person asking you to talk about it, you’re preventing them from moving on.
On the other hand, the person can acquire skills that help him to live in the present and manage concerns about anticipation, since, realistically, fear and relapse are backed by certain data: there is even the possibility of relapse in many cases.
The problem is when this probability is perceived in an increased way or when anticipation begins to profoundly limit a person’s daily life.
Finally, as with other syndromes or psychological experiences, it’s easier to overcome Damocles syndrome with qualified help.
In this sense, therapy groups and specialized psychological care are fundamental tools for managing fear of a possible relapse.