Being diagnosed with a chronic disease can be an overwhelming experience. The person receiving the diagnosis might feel that their life has been utterly transformed, and that things are never going to be the same again. In many cases, this is an understandable feeling.
If you know someone in this position, then your support might help them to cope with their new set of circumstances, and lead a life that’s fulfilling and rewarding, even in the face of a long-term health condition.
So, exactly what might you do to help? Let’s take a look at six powerful ways.
Listen Without Judgment: The Power of Emotional Support
The easiest, and often most effective, thing you can do is to be emotionally available. Set a schedule, and drop in at fixed intervals for a chat. Make sure that you’re there to talk about anything that your loved one wants to talk about – whether or not the topic in question relates to the diagnosis. Don’t be tempted to offer unsolicited advice or judgment.
Educate Yourself About the Disease
The deeper your understanding of the disease in question, the less like you might be to say something unintentionally hurtful. Make sure that you know exactly what the prognosis is, and what your loved one’s prospects look like, going forward.
Offer Practical Help: Managing Everyday Tasks
In many cases, you can lend a hand by simply assisting with everyday chores. Even something as simple as doing the shopping, or loading a dishwasher, might be helpful. You might also help them to deal with any legal consequences of their condition. For example, cancer misdiagnosis claims might require dealing with solicitors for months, or even years, on end. If you can take your loved one to their appointments, or be present with them, you might make the process that much less stressful.
Encourage Healthy Coping Mechanisms
A person suffering from a long-term medical condition might seek to cope with their situation in a range of ways. Some of these are healthy. Going out and socialising, exercising, and spending time with like-minded people are all good things. Make sure that you encourage these things – while discouraging other things, like alcohol and screen addiction.
Respect Boundaries and Allow Space
While your loved one is likely to be grateful that you’re trying to help, they might still value their own space. While chipping in with household chores might be helpful, it might also rob your loved one of a valued opportunity to feel self-sufficient and useful.
Stay Consistent: Ongoing Support Over Time
By definition, chronic diseases require support over months and years. If you don’t provide support that lasts the distance, then you might not be as useful as you otherwise could have been. Get into the habit of seeing the person you’re supporting, and you’re less likely to deprioritise them as time goes on.