A mesothelioma diagnosis is devastating for both the victim of the disease and their loved ones. As the mesothelioma victim endures their health struggles, many of their loved ones will adapt to various caregiving roles.
Unfortunately, as a caregiver, it’s easy to get so caught up in your loved one’s needs that you forget your own. Caregiver burnout can be a very real problem. Since you cannot take care of someone else effectively if you aren’t taking care of yourself, here are some tips that may help you cope:
1. Be proactive about your questions and needs.
It’s easier to deal with something when you have more clarity about what to expect. Knowing as much as you can about the disease and your loved one’s prognosis can help you prepare, so don’t be afraid to ask questions and do your own research. The American Cancer Society, the Mayo Clinic, the National Organization for Rare Disorders and other sites can offer valuable insights.
2. Find a source of support for yourself.
Obviously, you can’t burden your loved one with your own sorrow and frustrations right now – but that doesn’t mean you should keep those feelings bottled up inside. Sources of support can include:
- Family members or friends who aren’t part of the care team
- A cancer or mesothelioma support group (whether online or in person)
- Private therapy or group therapy for bereavement
3. Practice self-care whenever the opportunity presents itself.
This can look like different things to different people, but it can involve things like:
- Spending a few minutes every morning or evening just relaxing
- Maintaining a healthy diet and exercise routine
- Trying to stick to a set schedule whenever possible
- Making certain that you get adequate rest and sleep
- Making use of respite and temporary hospice care for breaks
A mesothelioma diagnosis is hard to hear, and your frustration may be compounded by the fact that it was a preventable disease. Because long-ago exposure to asbestos is the primary cause, there may be funds available to help pay for your loved one’s care.