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Hanna Swierczewska
Psychologist | Psycho-oncologist
About emotions and relationships
I write about relationships, boundaries, fear, and experiences that stay with us for a long time. I also write about parenting and support during cancer care.
I answer questions we often bring to psychologists. In simple language, with attention to everyday life.
Nagrania. Rozmowy o psychoonkologii
Rozmowa radiowa
Moja rozmowa z Małgorzatą Świtałą w audycji „Człowiek z bliska”.
Posłuchaj na Spotify
Rozmowa dla Fundacji EuropaColon Polska
Jak rozmawiać z dziećmi o chorobie onkologicznej rodzica?
Rozmawiam z Igą Rawicką.
Obejrzyj rozmowę
More and more of what I do is about avoiding fear
You choose a shop with fewer people. You give up a trip because you do not know how you will cope with the journey. You put off a call although the matter needs attention. Cancelling your plans brings relief.
Hanna Swierczewska
6 days ago2 min read
Why do I withdraw from contact with others?
You want to speak up, but end up saying nothing. You put off replying to a message. You cancel a meeting although the person matters to you. Afterwards, you blame yourself.
Hanna Swierczewska
6 days ago2 min read
I love you, but I'm leaving. A relationship in which I give up myself
You still love this person. You enjoy mornings together and remember good conversations. You want closeness. At the same time, you increasingly see how many things that matter to you you are giving up.
Hanna Swierczewska
6 days ago2 min read
Mindfulness. What can you do when staying in the present is difficult?
You eat lunch but think about a conversation from the morning. You go for a walk and compose a reply to a message. Someone talks to you while you think about tomorrow's meeting.
Hanna Swierczewska
6 days ago2 min read
I want to be understood. How do I communicate what I need?
You describe a difficult day. The other person immediately suggests solutions. You need them to listen for a moment. Instead of relief, you feel frustrated.
Hanna Swierczewska
6 days ago2 min read
Treatment has ended. Why am I still afraid of the next check-up?
Your follow-up examination is a few days away. Falling asleep is harder. You pay more attention to every symptom. You wonder what the result will show.
Hanna Swierczewska
6 days ago2 min read
I know it's a thought. Why do I keep needing to make sure?
You check the locked door. You walk away, but doubt soon returns. What if you overlooked something? You go back and check again. For a moment, things feel calmer.
Hanna Swierczewska
6 days ago2 min read
A loved one has cancer. What can you say without adding to their burden?
You want to call, but put the phone down. You do not know where to begin. You fear asking the wrong question or crying during the conversation.
Hanna Swierczewska
6 days ago2 min read
I've felt this way for a long time. About dysthymia
You cannot remember when you last felt noticeably better. There are calmer days, but most of the time you lack energy. It is hard to become interested in anything. You think about the future and do not expect much that is good.
Hanna Swierczewska
6 days ago2 min read
It's over now. Why am I still reacting this way?
You know the danger has passed. Yet a sudden sound causes intense tension. Images you do not want to think about return. At night, falling asleep is difficult although you feel tired.
Hanna Swierczewska
6 days ago2 min read
A cancer diagnosis. I don't know what I'm feeling now
The doctor explains what the tests showed. You hear the diagnosis. More information follows, but it is difficult to remember. After leaving the consulting room, you are unsure exactly what was agreed.
Hanna Swierczewska
6 days ago2 min read
Why is asking for help difficult for me?
Someone needs help, so you find time. When things are difficult for you, you say, “I will manage.” Then you finish everything in the evening, at the expense of sleep or rest.
Hanna Swierczewska
6 days ago2 min read
Fatigue, pain, no energy. What does “masked depression” mean?
You come to an appointment because of fatigue. Or recurring pain. You sleep poorly and find it hard to start the day. You look for a cause because these symptoms make life difficult.
Hanna Swierczewska
6 days ago2 min read
Done well, but still not enough. About perfectionism
The message is ready. You read it again. You change one sentence, then return to the earlier version. It was supposed to take ten minutes. An hour passes.
Hanna Swierczewska
6 days ago2 min read
How do I say that something isn't okay with me?
You agree to a favour even though you do not have time. You hear a comment that hurts, but you do not respond. Later, you revisit the conversation and wonder why you said nothing again.
Hanna Swierczewska
6 days ago2 min read
Everyone says: don't give up. But I need to say I'm afraid
You want to explain what worries you before another examination. You hear, “You must think positively.” The conversation ends before you manage to say what you fear.
Hanna Swierczewska
6 days ago2 min read
Why do you keep practising what you don't want to be?
You do not say something is not okay with you. You agree even though you do not want to. Later, you tell someone that nobody takes your opinion into account again.
Hanna Swierczewska
6 days ago2 min read
Even when things are going well, I worry about what comes next
Your test result is normal. You feel relieved for a moment. Then you start thinking about work. Once a work matter is resolved, a concern about someone close appears. The subject changes; the tension remains.
Hanna Swierczewska
6 days ago2 min read
I can't concentrate. Is it definitely ADHD?
You read the same message several times. You start a task, then switch to another. You forget a deadline. You come across a description of ADHD and recognise your own difficulties.
Hanna Swierczewska
6 days ago2 min read
I'm doing what I need to, but everything takes more effort
You get up, go to work and answer messages. You do the shopping. When someone asks how you are, you say, “Fine.” You do not want to start a conversation you do not have the energy for.
Hanna Swierczewska
6 days ago2 min read
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