I just finished reading about Christina Applegate's recent battle with breast cancer, and I feel nothing but respect for this woman. In an interview on ABC News' "Good Morning America", Applegate shared that her mother had battled breast cancer for years and that she also carries the gene that makes her more susceptible to breast and ovarian cancer. After learning that, at age 36, she had breast cancer as well, she opted for a double mastectomy at a time when her career keeps her very much in the public eye.

I find her way of handling all of this to be commendable. The stress of cancer can be overwhelming for anyone. Going through the crushing stress of a breast cancer diagnosis, having to break the news not only to family and close friends, but also to the public, and then being forced to make the painful decision of a double mastectomy--again with the public watching--could be more than overwhelming. As Applegate herself says, "You can't get any darker than where I've been."

In dealing with this crisis, however, Applegate shows tremendous strength and grace in her coping techniques.

• She does a great job of focusing on the positive, and maintaining her optimism. "I'm going to have cute boobs 'til I'm 90, so there's that," she quips.
• She talks of maintaining a sense of humor, and demonstrates that sense of humor as well: "I'll have the best boobs in the nursing home. I'll be the envy of all the ladies around the bridge table."
• She accepts her feelings of anger, grief and loss and actively works through them. At the same time, she shows altruism by offering her story as a show of support for others: "Sometimes, you know, I cry and sometimes I scream and I get really angry and I get really like, you know, into wallowing in self-pity sometimes," she said. "And I think that's -- it's all part of healing, and anyone who's going through it out there, it's OK to cry. It's OK to fall on the ground and just scream if you want to."

"I've laughed so much in the last three weeks," she said in the interview. "I love living, and I really love my life, and I knew that from this moment on it was only going to be good that was going to be coming. Yeah, I'll face challenges, but you can't get any darker than where I've been. So knowing that in my soul gave me the strength to just say, 'I have to get out there and make this a positive.' "

Christina Applegate is truly a role model for healthy coping.

Have you battled breast cancer yourself, or have a loved one who has experienced this? What do you think of her decision? You can discuss it at About.com's Breast Cancer site.

What about other difficult life circumstances? Have you faced a major life crisis and come out on top? Or are you facing difficult times right now? Write about it in the comments section, or visit the Stress Management Forum!

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CNN.com}

With school starting soon, there are tons of stressed and excited college students out there. The partying is something to look forward to for sure, but there are a slew of new stressors waiting, some anticipated and some that may come as a surprise. For example, students may already be stressing about leaving home for the first time or being fully responsible for themselves, but have they even thought about the stress of an obnoxious roommate or that detested Freshman 15? Because coming into your own can be exhilarating as well as stressful, as with any change, I have the following resources to help college students (and those who love them) feel less stressed:

• College Stress Causes
  Where's all this college stress coming from, and how does it impact students? Here's the 411 on causes of college stress.

• Reducing Stress in College Life
  Now that you know about the main causes of college stress (or if you've just decided to accept it and skip to the chase), get tips and resources for managing that college stress here. It's a great way to start lifelong healthy habits and become adept at handling all the stress you'll face for the rest of your life.

• What Causes the Freshman 15?Yes, it's real. And yes, it can happen to you, even after your first year! Learn about that dreaded weight gain that many people face, and find out where it comes from.
  

• How to Avoid the Freshman 15
  Wanna stay svelte? Here are tricks for dodging that pesky college weight gain. Again, here are some tips that can serve you well in future years, too.

• Discuss Stress and School In The Forum
  Yes, if you didn't already know, there's a Stress Management Forum! The topic of school and stress has already been brought up, so stop on in and join the conversation! (Or you can add your own vent, rant, stress tip or plea for advice!)

If you're looking for more resources on college life, you'll be happy to know that we have a whole site devoted to it, here on About.com. It's at http://collegelife.about.com!