‘I’m a Work in Progress & That’s Okay,’ Writes ABC Meteorologist Ginger Zee In New Book, ‘A Little Closer To Home;’ What Cancer Patients Should Know about Mental Health
‘I’m a Work in Progress & That’s Okay,’ Writes ABC Meteorologist Ginger Zee In New Book, ‘A Little Closer To Home;’ What Cancer Patients Should Know about Mental Health
ABC News chief meteorologist Ginger Zee, 41, published a new book in which she writes extensively about her journey with mental health.
Zee, who sought treatment for depression, encourages others to be okay with their struggles.
Coping with mental health during cancer is an ongoing process which takes time; reach out when you’re in need of support.
ABC News’ chief meteorologist Ginger Renee Colonomos, better known as Ginger Zee, has published a new book in which she talks about all things mental health; she has been vocal about her struggles with depression in the past. Her book, A Little Closer to Home: How I Found the Calm After the Storm, was published last week and fans are excited to delve into its pages and hear from Zee.
The book is a follow-up to her New York Times best-selling book, Natural Disaster. In A Little Closer to Home Zee writes about an important topic: Mental health. During a global pandemic which is in its 4th calendar year, mental health is a topic that’s continuously on our radars, due to the stresses of pandemic life. So, Zee’s book couldn’t have come at a more perfect time.
Ginger Zee at ABC’s ‘Good Morning America’ in 2021. Photo Courtesy: Getty Images
Zee’s Mental Health Journey
Zee has been an inspiring beacon of light for those who feel in the dark, coping with mental health battles in private. The 41-year-old media maven has spoken openly about struggling with depression. She bravely and admirably sought treatment at a hospital for her depression. “We need mental health rehabilitation to be de-stigmatized,” Zee has said.
Mental health, like physical health, is something to be maintained and tended to. Zee is an excellent example of the power found when you use your voice to vulnerably share your experiences. As breast cancer survivor Robin Roberts loves to say: Make your mess your message.
Zee has been making her “mess” her message and empowering others through her words. In her book, she writes encouraging messages to readers, writing, “It’s okay to not be okay.” Zee also writes about appreciating the little things in life and practicing gratitude as a way to strengthen your mental health. "There is such beauty in this world. It's all around us. We just don't stop long enough to see it," she writes.
Our experts have spoken, too, about the power of positive thinking and a gratitude mindset while battling cancer. Having a positive outlook may improve your prognosis. Zee writes about positivity while caring for your mental health, saying, "Going forward, I want my smiles to come from within."
Dr. Marianna Strongin on Prioritizing Mental Health
Coping with Mental Health for Cancer Patients
During a cancer journey, many people encounter mental health struggles, in large and small forms. It’s very normal to feel grief, anxiety, depression, and overwhelm after a cancer diagnosis. It’s important to be kind to yourself during your mental health struggles and to reach out for help. In an earlier interview, licensed clinical psychologist Dr. Marianna Strongin speaks with us about the importance of caring for mental health during a cancer battle, particularly during treatment.
“Guiding your body through pain with your mind will make you feel more in control, focused on the present, and give you a greater understanding and appreciation for your strength.” – Dr. Marianna Strongin
Dr. Strongin says, “As you work your way through treatment the way in which you coach yourself is critical. Studies have found that positive self-talk significantly reduces anxiety, improves resilience and confidence, and allows us to be connected with others.”
She explains that working through cancer treatment is an act of courage, and your self-talk should reflect that with love and admiration. “As you courageously make your way through this chemotherapy it is critical that your self-talk is supportive, patient, and overall kind,” says Dr. Strongin. “There will be moments of intense pain, discomfort, and even setbacks. Your body may be saying ‘no more’ but your mind has the power to kindly say, ‘you got this, one foot in front of the other, this pain is temporary.'”
“During chemotherapy, many people experience a breakdown between the mind and body,” she explains. “I strongly suggest you create an internal dialogue that connects your body and mind even when it feels difficult. Guiding your body through the pain with your mind will make you feel more in control, focused on the present, and give you a greater understanding and appreciation for your strength.”
