Resources: Survivor Stories | Clinical Trials | News | Blog
Call Us for More Information
800.615.2270

Dealing with the Emotional Side of Mesothelioma

Receiving a mesothelioma diagnosis is a life-altering event, one that is almost certain to trigger a flood of emotions and stress. You and your family likely will struggle with feelings of anger, depression and guilt. Because mesothelioma patients have an average life span of only four to 18 months, you may uncover new emotions about yourself and your mortality. At some point, you will understand the life expectancy of mesothelioma cancer so that you can make smart decisions and make your family comfortable with your situation.

Your doctor usually will be a first source of information and help. If you have already begun treatment and are having trouble dealing with the anxiety of battling an aggressive cancer, your doctor can point you to nearby support groups, prescribe anti-anxiety or antidepressant medications or help craft a regimen of relaxation techniques to help you along. With the right care, you will come to a point of acceptance.

It is important to remember that there is no reason to go through this difficult time on your own. The Mesothelioma Center offers a free informational packet with numerous resources available to you that can help you understand and deal with your emotions.

Understanding the Tide of Emotions

The first step to cope with mesothelioma mentally is developing a firm understanding of the illness and your emotions. Pay attention to your thoughts about the disease and how those change. A mesothelioma diagnosis often means surrendering the future you saw for yourself. You may feel a sense of loss, and that's natural. You also may feel a shifting of emotions, which is also common. You may find your mood changes follow the five stages of grief.

The Five Stages of Grief:

  • Denial
  • Anger
  • Bargaining
  • Depression
  • Acceptance

Denial and anger are two normal human emotions that come immediately after a diagnosis of mesothelioma. "This isn't happening!" is the most common initial response. So are, "Why me?" and "Who did this to me?" These are characteristics of anger, another common reaction during a period of shock and disbelief.

At some point, though, mesothelioma patients can trace their disease to specific or long-term instances of asbestos exposure. Some can trace it back to a past employer. Others can link it to secondary or environmental exposure. Still others need the help of a mesothelioma lawyer to uncover when and where exposure occurred.

Knowledge of the exposure is important: It explains things and can help people cope with their cancer. Knowing this also can relieve some anxiety, because it gives patients an option to pursue financial resources that can make their lives - or the lives of loved ones - easier as the disease progresses.

Relatively soon after a diagnosis, your doctor is likely to develop a treatment plan with the goal of maintaining your quality of life for as long as possible. Understand, however, that fighting this disease can be mentally and physically draining. It can be easy to surrender. Even successful treatments can wear on a patient. No matter the stage of your disease or your treatment, your top priority should always be your physical and mental health. The lesson: Do what makes you feel good about yourself and your management of this disease.

When you are diagnosed with an incurable disease, it's natural to reflect on your life and wish it had played out differently. You may have unfulfilled dreams and unfinished goals. You may feel like a burden to your family, or that you are not providing properly for them.

You may even try to bargain spiritually or individually. A common question at this point is "What did I do to deserve this?" Often, the stage of bargaining comes with strong feelings of guilt. You may try to change your diagnosis by making deals with yourself or a higher power. It is common to promise to change your life in exchange for a better diagnosis. This may include promises to attend church or be kinder.

These are legitimate feelings. Talk about them with your family or a psychologist. Just don't dwell on them or let them become the focus of your life. They don't matter in the end. Your illness is not your fault or your choice, and your family understands that.

Depression and Anxiety

It's almost inevitable that depression and anxiety go hand in hand with any life-threatening illness, and the same is true with mesothelioma. Depression is not just feeling down or feeling blue – it is a clinical diagnosis that can require treatment from a professional.

Clinical depression comes with a specific set of symptoms. Among them are mood swings, fatigue, feelings of sadness or emptiness that last for more than just a few days, feelings of helplessness or worthlessness and changes in eating and sleeping habits. Dealing with clinical depression can mean being prescribed anti-depression medication like Celexa (citalopram), Zoloft (sertraline), Prozac (fluoxetine) or Paxil (paroxetine).

Mesothelioma patients often confront anxiety, especially when it is coupled with fear. This may develop along with depression or on its own. Like those for depression, anti-anxiety medications are also available as a treatment option for this mood change. Some symptoms of anxiety include uncontrolled worry, irritability and angry outbursts.

It's important to recognize the symptoms of anxiety and seek help. SSRI antidepressants are among the common prescriptions for anxiety. However, treatment may include other types of prescription drugs instead, such as Xanax (alprazolam), Ativan (lorazepam) and Valium (diazepam).

Resources for Depression and Anxiety

The following websites provide additional, detailed information about the symptoms, diagnosis and treatment of depression and anxiety, as well as resources for finding psychologists, counselors and other types of support.

By calling 1-866-276-7443, patients and their caregivers can get referrals for counseling services in their area. The site also provides a link for e-mail requests.

Important Information about Mental Health Medications

Antidepressant and anti-anxiety medications are not for everyone. They can interfere with certain treatments and other medications. Your doctor can tell you if you are a good candidate for these mood-enhancing prescription drugs. If so, he or she may recommend a specific medication. Every antidepressant or anti-anxiety drug acts slightly differently and can work better for certain patients.

If you begin taking these prescription drugs, it is important to let someone in your family know. If you have a medical emergency, your caregiver must be able to tell an emergency doctor which medicines you are taking. This way, you will not be given conflicting medicines.

Some patients choose not to take medications for anxiety or depression. And sometimes patients discover that these meds don't help. That's where a support group may help. Support groups can be therapeutic. Groups may meet in person, online or by phone, but the one common thread is that they provide an outlet for patients to express their emotions. Just getting something off your chest and letting other people acknowledge that, yes, you have a right to feel the way you do can be an affirming and altering experience.

In-person support groups tend to be effective because they allow for more personal contact before and after sessions. These groups typically meet at a nearby hospital or cancer center. You can find local groups using the American Cancer Society's search tool.

For some patients, joining a face to face support group is not an option or even a preference, especially if anxiety is an issue. But online support groups, such as forums and chat rooms, can be beneficial. The following care centers provide information on various support groups for patients dealing with mesothelioma and other cancers.

Some patients may find individualized care more helpful than group therapy. These people can seek out the care of a psychiatrist or psychologist to receive personalized, one-on-one sessions.

The most effective route depends on each individual person, but pursuing any combination of these resources will help you cope with your new situation. The support you receive may prove vital in the coming months or years.

Acceptance and Preparation

As your cancer moves into its late stages, you will have to come to terms with the reality of your life expectancy. You may fear death. You may fear your afterlife, if you believe in one. Or you may welcome both of them.

Consider using your remaining time to reflect upon your accomplishments and your life. Embrace the fond memories. Spend time with loved ones. You may even want to write letters to those close to you or make a video for them to remember you by.

You may find comfort in helping other mesothelioma patients. Many people choose to become advocates to spread awareness of the disease and its cause. When Olympic gold medalist Terry McCann was diagnosed with the cancer, he used his remaining time to openly critique the asbestos industry and raise awareness of mesothelioma.

You will also find comfort in knowing that your family will be taken care of once you are no longer there, so take time to make sure your affairs are in order. Create a will, organize your finances and make sure you've made all end-of-life decisions.

Once you have managed your emotions and achieved a sense of peace, focus on your quality of life. Make sure your last few months or days are as comfortable as possible, and use this opportunity to share your last goodbyes.

If you have more questions about handling your emotions, contact the Mesothelioma Center by calling 800-615-2270 to speak with a Patient Advocate who can answer many of your questions and help you feel at ease.

View Article Sources

mesothelioma-packet
Name:
Address:
City, State, Zip:
Country:
Phone Number:
Email:
Diagnosis:
Comments:
terms of use
Mesothelioma News
rss news tag