Finding out that you have mesothelioma changes your life in an instant. You now are faced with hours of treatment, physical symptoms, and uncertainty. There is no doubt that this can bring intense stress. We’ve put together three steps you can take to cope with emotional stress after a mesothelioma diagnosis.
Begin Therapy
There is significant value in having good mental health. You will likely feel ups and downs through your mesothelioma treatment. Having a therapist there to work with you through this can greatly help. A therapist can:
- Give you ideas for healthy coping mechanisms
- Help you process the wide range of emotions you may be feeling
- Work with you to reduce your stress and worry about the future
- Help you with physical pain management
- Help you feel more in control of your life
A therapist may also be able to work with friends, family, and caregivers to ensure you are getting the support you need.
Lean on Others for Support
Some people react to life-changing situations by isolating themselves. As much as you may feel it is easier to hide away, don’t. Stay connected to those who you care about, and who care about you. Share how you’re feeling with those you can trust.
Many people with chronic illness feel like they are burdening their families with their fears. While this is likely not the case, there are other options for support. Join a support group, an online forum, or even Facebook pages to talk about your feelings with others who are also fighting mesothelioma.
Practice Self-Care
Self-care comes in a variety of ways. We’ve put together a list of some things you can do to boost your mood, stay busy, and enjoy your life.
- Make art to express yourself
- Learn an instrument
- Keep a journal
- Exercise
- Spend time outdoors
- Pamper yourself; turn your bathroom into a spa
- Keep a routine for structure and stability
- Read books
- Pick up a new hobby, or two, or three
Suffering from Mesothelioma? We’re Here to Help
You don’t have to fight mesothelioma on your own. At Shrader & Associates L.L.P., we are dedicated to providing our clients with the highest quality legal representation and recovering the compensation they need for medical bills, lost wages, and more. Contact us today to set up a consultation with our experienced legal team.