If You Know how to Cope then there’s Hope.

Nearly 14.5 million Americans alive today have faced a diagnosis of cancer. Cancer not only affects the lives of those who have it but also the people around them. Coping with the disease is not easy and can be very challenging for everyone involved. However, there are resources and tips available to assist patients and caregivers with the emotional, physical, practical, and spiritual aspects of cancer.

Support Groups

One way individuals can get through the burden of dealing with cancer is by being involved with cancer support groups. There are three different types of support groups: telephone, online and face-to-face support groups. These groups can provide a lot of mental and emotional support. They can help individuals feel better, hopeful, and not so alone. Support groups can also give them a chance to talk about their feelings and deal with practical problems, such as problems at work or school and even help cope with side effects of treatment. For instance, a patient name Sandy said, “I can’t tell you how nice it was to hear other cancer patients share the same fears, worries, and joys that I have. I can be completely honest with these people. I’d leave some of the sessions almost dizzy with relief.” Remarks such as the one given by sandy is a direct example of how important it is for individuals to have a good support system when dealing with a disease like cancer. In regards to family concerns support groups discuss role changes, relationship changes, financial worries, and how to support the person with cancer.

The living room is an example of online support website available to anyone affected by a cancer diagnosis. It includes support groups, discussion boards, online chatting, calendars to input personal info, and even a inspirational quotes gallery to help keep spirits lifted. Join today →: http://www.cancersupportcommunity.org/online-support

Counseling

Counseling is another method and more private resource available to individuals who are learning how to cope with cancer. Individual counseling as well as family or relationship counseling is available depending on the needs of the person of family. These counselors may help individuals learn how to manage depression or anxiety related to their cancer, address relationship issues and discuss financial concerns that are causing distress. Counselors can even assist families with learning how to adjust to changes in their routine as a result of a cancer diagnosis. It all depends based on what type of counseling expert is chosen (psychiatrist, psychologist, clinical social worker, and family therapist) and the reason a person or family is seeing them. Consulting with your health care team and having a phone interview with counselors beforehand can assist individual with choosing the right professional.

Supportive Tips

Some important and great tips provided by the Mayo-Clinic to help cope with cancer is as follows:

· Review your goals and priorities

·Try to maintain your normal lifestyle

· Consider how your diagnosis will impact your finances

· Talk to other people with cancer

· Fight stigmas and determine how to deal with others behaviors towards you

· Develop comfortable coping strategies

· Get facts about your diagnosis

· Keep an open line of communication with loved ones and doctors

· Anticipate physical changes

· Maintain a healthy lifestyle

· Let friends and family help you

All in all coping with cancer can be difficult but there are ways to make the process easier and help everyone involved feel better. I know these resources and tips can be effective because they helped myself and family as we supported a good friend of ours through her journey with cancer. To be more specific, the open communication and daily assistance we provided for our loved one really helped her. We attended some counseling sessions with her to understand her feelings about her diagnosis and condition. Also, we were available to help her with things such as cooking healthy meals and remaining active. Overall, individuals should always be open to outside help, support groups, counseling, and any other resources that may make the journey of coping with cancer less worry-some.