Relationships
A cancer diagnosis impacts those close to you and those you spend the most time with. Those that love you are on your cancer journey too - especially if you have one main support person or caregiver. At times, they may be called on to assist with or make decisions of care for you. They may be providing physical, emotional, and spiritual care for you. Family members, loved ones, and caregivers need to process their feelings which may range from grief, to anger, denial, depression and anxiety. There may be sibling conflict in the case of children in the household, who have their own growth and development needs. Family members and loved ones with previous anxiety, depression, PTSD, or other emotional trauma may need professional counseling or medical help to support their resilience and mental wellbeing.
Open dialogue and sharing feelings can enhance awareness and understanding between you and your loved ones, helping everyone involved. Conversations can be challenging. Many cancer centers offer professional support, including social workers or psychologists that can help in this process. Patient, family, or caregiver support groups may also be available.
Have compassion for family members or caregivers, as you hope they have for you, to decrease feelings of isolation, feeling like you are a burden, or caregiver burnout. Many caregivers and loved ones want to help, but don't know how. Open dialogue can help in meaningful and specific ways. This is not always an intuitive process, and learning to ask for help honestly, but also set boundaries around personal time in loving ways are important. Vulnerable times such as experiencing cancer yourself or within a family can bring out the best and the worst in us. This is normal. Be patient with yourself and your loved ones as these emotions are experienced or processed. For many couples or families, these vulnerable times are opportunities for growth, deepening relationships and loving feelings in spite of the inherent challenges. Trust in good intentions and be gentle with yourself and each other during these vulnerable times.
Try This
- Open up to family members and discuss perceived stress or emotional needs.
- Have a non-judgmental family gathering on a weekly or bi-weekly basis to increase understanding, communication, and gratitude.
- Enhance your relationships with gratitude rituals or fun activities to relieve stress.
- Sometimes you just need the support of others going through what you are – reach out to peer-to-peer support.
- Look for ways to have fun, and remember that you are more than your cancer diagnosis
Additional Information
The following areas will provide related information you may wish to explore.
