Family Counseling for Cancer Victims

You probably know someone who has cancer or who has battled this disease at some point. You may even have a beloved family member who struggled with the condition and passed away. This can be a painful situation to deal with, and you may not be able to cope with the emptiness and sorrow you feel for this loss. If you find yourself in this situation, you can take comfort in knowing that you are not alone. Many people understand what you are going through and can help you move forward.

When cancer claims a life

Doctors can help patients treat and control many types of this disease. Some forms are minor and have a low death rate. Unfortunately, some types develop and spread quickly into different areas and organs of the body. Late-stage types of the disease are hard to stop, and it may be impossible to prevent death. Some types of cancer, such as pancreatic, lung, prostate, and colon, give the patient a lower chance of surviving than other forms.

Caregiving counseling

If someone loses a spouse to the disease, there could be an overwhelming feeling of responsibility on the person’s shoulders. The husband or wife will no longer be available to assist in child-rearing duties or financial responsibilities. This can create feelings of extreme stress, anxiety, or depression in the surviving spouse as well as the children. Counselors are available to provide support and offer strategies to manage day-to-day family affairs. Losing someone to the disease may also require changes in caregiving where a child must now look after the needs of an aging parent or grandparent. Counseling services can help a person shoulder these tasks as well.

Grieving

Cancer can take people at any age and at any time. Sometimes, the disease moves rapidly and can claim a life within months, weeks, or even days of diagnosis. Regardless of the type of disease, whom it kills, or other circumstances, survivors will likely feel intense sadness and grief. It is important to find support groups that the family members can feel comfortable with. This will enable people to share feelings and learn from others what they have done to cope with the ordeal.

Communicating

Family counseling can also help members speak openly about the situation. Many people feel isolated, guilty, ashamed or even upset after the loss of a loved one to the disease. Counselors can help people open up and speak about their needs and struggles. Bottling up emotions is not helpful during these trying times.

Why cancer patients and their families need mental health support

Cancer is a serious type of illness. It can have long-term consequences on one’s health, even if it is not life-threatening. A cancer diagnosis affects the patient and the loved ones. The negative emotions can last for months and even years after the cancer diagnosis.

Finding out about the presence of cancer can be disturbing. The families can sometimes suffer more. It can be difficult to understand, frightening, and overwhelming. The main goal is to find the right doctor. This can help with the explanation and the immediate treatments.

Mental health is important during this fight. That is why family counseling is crucial during these trying times. This type of therapy can help with worry, stress, and anxiety. Having these negativities can worsen a patient’s condition. Having a qualified counselor may not treat cancer, but it can improve the patient’s state of mind, mood, and outlook.

Cancer’s emotional effects

The distress and sadness of a cancer patient radiate to the people surrounding the patient. Body image is a huge struggle. This often interferes with the intimacy between spouses or partners. The pain and nausea are only two of the barriers to continuing this part of the relationship. Emotional health in all parties goes down. Self-esteem can decrease significantly.

The resentment can also result in conflict among family members. Feelings of guilt and regret can also cause damage to the relationships with people close to the family. Family therapy can help the patient and the people surrounding the patient. Trained counselors can help the patient and the family members cope with the problems and address the negative feelings.

Help is available

Unfortunately, cancer is a common disease that affects people everywhere. If a family member is dying or has passed away from the condition, seek help. Resources are available to walk you through the recovery process and help you manage the aftermath. Call your doctor if you need assistance in finding the right resources. Just as your loved one did not battle through the disease alone, you do not have to cope with the anguish by yourself.

Request an appointment here: https://lindenbergcancer.com or call Lindenberg Cancer & Hematology Center at (856) 475-0876 for an appointment in our Marlton office.

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