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HOW TO HELP A LOVED ONE BATTLING CANCER
By Lisa M. Petsche
When someone you care about is diagnosed with cancer, you may want to reach out to him or her (for simplicity, the latter will be used from here on), but feel unsure of what to say or do. Here is some advice.
Emotional support
-Keep your initial reaction simple and heartfelt - for example, "I'm sorry to hear about your illness," "I'm here for you" or perhaps even "I'm at a loss for words."
-Don't be afraid to share your emotions. Remember, too, that body language - a touch of your hand, pat on the shoulder or hug - can often convey support and caring better than words.
-Educate yourself about your friend or relative's disease to help you understand the kinds of challenges she faces.
-Bear in mind that cancer affects people physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually, and that, although there may be similarities, no two people will experience it the same way.
-Allow your friend to express any and all emotions; don't try to talk her out of them or change the subject because of your discomfort. Also, don't take bad moods or uncharacteristic behavior, such as withdrawal, personally.
-Recognize and accept that people cope with a serious illness in different ways. Some may alter their priorities and lifestyle, while others may choose to carry on as usual. Some may use humor as a coping mechanism, while others may become more introspective or spiritual.
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RELINQUISHING PRIMARY CARE
By: Lisa M. Petsche
When a person moves into a long-term care home, not only they but also their caregiver can find the transition difficult.
Caregivers lose a companion and the rhythm of their days changes significantly. They must schedule visits in order to spend time with their relative. Transportation may pose challenges, especially if they don't drive.
Feelings about the situation may include sadness, anxiety, anger and guilt. Caregivers may wonder if they made the right decision. They may worry about their relative's ability to adjust. They may also worry about how well he or she is being cared for. And they may wonder what role they now play in their relative's day to day life.
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ALCOHOL AND SUBSTANCE ABUSE WILL NOT TAKE AWAY YOUR FEARS
By: Stanley Popovich
Your fears, anxieties, and other problems have the best of you and you don't know where to turn for help. At some point you feel totally helpless as you struggle each day. No matter what you do, you cannot run away or hide from your fears. In these cases, some people will use alcohol or other substances to feel better.
Alcohol and substance abuse or any other addictions will not take away your problems and fears. In the short run, they might make you feel better, but in the long run these addictions will only make things worse.
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WHEN AN AGING RELATIVE RESISTS HELP
By: Lisa M. Petsche
If you have an aging parent or other close relative who lives alone, at some point you may become worried that he or she is not managing well.
Typically, family members' concerns center around one or more of the following: mobility, nutrition, housekeeping, grooming, financial management, medication use, safety, energy level, mood and mental status of their senior relative.
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NEVER LOSE HOPE IN DEALING
WITH YOUR FEARS AND DEPRESSION
By: Stanley Popovich
When your fears and depression have the best of you, it is easy to feel that things will not get any better. This is not true. There is much help available in today's society and the best way to deal with your fears is to find effective ways to overcome them. As a result, here are some techniques a person can use to help manage their fears and anxieties.
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