World Cancer Day: Caring for Yourself While Supporting Someone You Love
Each year, World Cancer Day reminds us of the vast impact this illness has on individuals, families, and communities worldwide. It’s a day to unite in raising awareness, fostering prevention, and supporting those affected by cancer. For many, the statistics are sobering—but behind every number is a deeply personal story. Whether you’re someone living with cancer, a survivor, or supporting a loved one through their journey, this day serves as a call to action and reflection on what it means to navigate life amidst such profound challenges.
This topic is one that resonates deeply with me on a personal level. I’ve seen firsthand the emotional upheaval that comes with the diagnosis of a loved one. The feelings of helplessness, fear, and uncertainty can be overwhelming, both for the person diagnosed and those who care about them. Writing about this is not only a way to offer guidance to others, but also a means to honour those experiences and share the lessons I’ve learned along the way.
Dealing with a cancer diagnosis of someone you love often feels like being thrown into uncharted waters. Suddenly, your world shifts, filled with new medical terms, treatment schedules, and emotional landscapes that range from hope to despair. In this blog post, I want to offer some insights and coping strategies that might help you find your footing during such a challenging time.
EMOTIONAL IMPACTS OF CARING FOR SOMEONE WITH CANCER
Caring for someone with cancer or coping with their diagnosis can bring a whirlwind of emotions. You may feel a need to suppress your feelings to prioritise the emotions and needs of your loved one. However, acknowledging your own emotional experience is crucial to maintaining your wellbeing.
Here are some common feelings you might encounter:
Fear or worry about the future: Uncertainty about outcomes and changes can feel overwhelming.
Depression: The emotional toll of caregiving or witnessing a loved one’s struggles may leave you feeling hopeless or drained.
Anger or resentment: You might feel frustrated about putting aspects of your life on hold or shouldering responsibilities you didn’t expect.
Loneliness or isolation: The demands of caregiving might limit your ability to connect with friends or family, or leaving you feeling like others don’t understand your situation.
Guilt: It’s natural to feel guilty for wanting a break, feeling inadequate, or being unable to do more—even if you’re already giving so much.
Recognising and validating these emotions and seeking support for yourself is an important step, not only for building the emotional resilience needed to care for others but also for prioritising your own wellbeing. Seeking support for yourself ensures you have the strength and capacity to navigate the challenges of caregiving while honouring your own needs.
Caring for a family member with cancer can also bring significant changes to your relationship and its dynamics. The emotional and physical demands of caregiving might shift your roles, particularly if you’re caring for a partner or parent. You might find yourself navigating unfamiliar responsibilities or adjusting to new levels of dependency. This can feel especially challenging when the person you’re caring for was once your primary source of support or guidance. While these changes can strengthen bonds, they may also create tension or feelings of loss as the relationship evolves. It’s important to acknowledge these shifts and seek ways to maintain connection and communication, ensuring both you and your loved one feel valued and supported.
looking after yourself
Here are some tips to help you care for yourself during this challenging time:
Acknowledge your feelings
It’s okay to feel a wide range of emotions like sadness, fear, anger, and even guilt. Recognising and validating your feelings can help you process them more effectively.Ask for help
Talk to friends or family about how you’re feeling. Therapy can also provide a safe space to explore and process complex emotions.
Communicate openly
Engage in honest and compassionate conversations with your loved one. Ask how you can best support them while also expressing your own feelings and needs.Maintain your own routine
Whenever possible, stick to activities that bring you comfort or joy, such as exercising, reading, or spending time with friends. These routines can provide a sense of stability.Practice self-care
Explore ways to nurture your well-being. For practical tips, check out my blog post on self-care: Prioritising Self-Care on World Mental Health Day.
Set Boundaries
Remember that it’s okay to say no. Caring for someone can be physically and emotionally demanding, so respecting your own limits is key to preventing burnout.Educate yourself
Take time to understand your loved one’s diagnosis, treatment options, and what to expect. Reliable information can empower you and reduce feelings of helplessness.Celebrate Small Wins
Acknowledge and appreciate positive moments in your loved one’s journey, no matter how small. These moments can offer hope and strengthen your connection.
Conclusion
Caring for someone with cancer is a journey filled with challenges. By acknowledging your emotions, seeking support, and prioritising your own well-being, you can navigate this journey with greater clarity and compassion—for both yourself and your loved one. Remember, you’re not alone in this, and taking small, intentional steps to care for yourself is not just important—it’s essential.
If you need some support around navigating the diagnosis of a loved on, feel free to reach out.
Resources
McMillan offers support to people living with cancer and their loved ones https://www.macmillan.org.uk/cancer-information-and-support/get-help.
