Thursday, December 3, 2009 Diagnosis of any terminal disease can leave patients feeling depressed, anxious, and angry. With the rarity of mesothelioma, patients diagnosed with the disease may have the added feeling of isolation with few people with which to discuss their feelings and concerns.
Keeping your emotions inside may lead to stress and can leave you with additional physical discomfort. Finding someone that you trust and can confide in will not only help you feel better, but can lead you to helping other mesothelioma victims down the road.
While a patient advocate provides emotional support, additional individuals and support networks can be beneficial. Below are some suggestions for locating confidants.
- Ask your primary care physician or oncologist for referral to a social worker or therapist who specializes in treating cancer patients.
- Your church or other religious organizations often have support groups that hold regular meetings.
- Many non-profit organizations dedicated to mesothelioma patients offer support referral services and can put you in touch with other mesothelioma patients.
- Ask friends and family if they know of any support groups or patients with mesothelioma to which you can talk.
Talking with others that have battled mesothelioma, or are trained counselors, who can give you insight into your emotions and into what's to come can ease your mind and allow you to focus on your treatments and recovery.
MesotheliomaHelp.Net
posted by Nancy Meredith
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