A mesothelioma diagnosis often raises stress levels for both patients and loved ones. There are issues concerning health, finances, anxiety, and feelings of sorrow and loss. For many families, anxiety and emotional distress are among the most difficult parts of the disease to handle. Knowing what to expect can help the patient and their families deal with the emotional effects more easily. Learning about the stages of acceptance is a powerful first step in dealing with stress. It is far easier to arm yourself against stress when you know what to expect.

The most common reactions to a mesothelioma diagnosis are:

Shock or disbelief
Fear of the pain and the future
General feelings of anger
Guilt for becoming ill
Depression
Grief and feelings of loss
Denial

There are trained professionals who specialize in helping people deal with the stress and grief of a terminal diagnosis. Among them are:

Mental Health Professionals

Mental health professionals specializing in terminal illnesses can be of value in helping to sort out stress and begin to deal with emotions. Psychiatrists will often prescribe medication to alleviate mood disorders and depression. Others may help determine future treatments.

Alternative and Complementary Methods

Many people find relief from stress through alternative treatments such as meditation, visualization, music, and massage. In many cases, health insurance companies will cover the costs of specialized treatments, though the costs of many methods are low or non-existent. Among the treatments that can be effective are acupuncture, yoga, meditation, music, visualization, massage, and hypnosis.

Asking for help to deal with stress is not a sign of weakness, but often a necessary part of treatment. If you are having trouble dealing with stress, a doctor can recommend a trained professional to help. In addition, an experienced mesothelioma lawyer can guide you to other resources and help deal with all the aspects of the disease.

Support Groups

Talking with others who have shared the same experiences can be the best way to deal with stress. There are support groups that allow spouses of mesothelioma victims to speak with other spouses. Some support groups even allow you to speak to survivors of mesothelioma. These support groups help mesothelioma victims and their families cope and deal with the associated stress surrounding a mesothelioma diagnosis. Ask your doctor or speak to a mesothelioma lawyer to find a local support group.

Sources:

http://www.cancer.org/docroot/CRI/content/CRI_2_4_6X_Are_there_other_organizations_addressing_ malignant_mesothelioma_29.asp?sitearea=
http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/factsheet/Support

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