A disease is a natural part of life on earth, but when they come along unexpectedly, it can cause so much pain and stress. When we experience a loved one suffering from a sudden illness, it can be really difficult to cope. It can come as such a shock that the disease affects not only the person who has the disease but everyone else in the family too. A disease in the family can be a very isolating experience, and especially when you want to be there to support your loved one, it is good to get as much help as you can. To help support all the people in this most difficult of situations, this article is a guide on how to cope with a sudden disease in the family.
Control Your Emotions
When someone in our family is diagnosed with a sudden disease is confirmed by the doctor, the immediate impulse is to get upset. It is really important however to control your emotions to help your loved ones stay. Indeed, when someone knows they have a disease, they tend to be more sensitive and so you must remain patient and compassionate. No matter how confused, anxious, or worried you are, bear in mind that your sick family member is struggling with those negative feelings even more. Be psychologically strong and make sure that you fully support your family member during this difficult time.
Take Care of Your Family Member’s Mental Health
It’s really important to take care of your family member’s mental health because being diagnosed with an illness can be extremely upsetting and can have negative effects on people’s mental health. There are often five stages of mental reaction when someone is diagnosed with a serious disease. The first stage is denial where your family member may think that the doctor is mistaken and that they can’t possibly be sick. The second mental reaction is anger where they will feel outraged about why this has happened to them. Next is a compromise where they will say, “If I had another chance, I would live better.”
After compromise often comes depression where they become temporarily overcome by the gravity of the situation. The final stage is acceptance where they finally come to terms with their illness. Whilst many people go through these stages on their own, other people need support from the people around them. It is so important that you are there for your loved one when they want to talk, and that you give them space when they want to be alone.
Help Your Family Member to Follow Their Doctor’s Guidelines
When it comes to fighting a disease, it is so important to follow the doctor’s guidelines. Make sure to always encourage your family member to listen to their doctor to maximize their chances of making a full and fast recovery. Go with them to their doctor’s appointments and support them while they discuss different treatment options and make sure that they don’t miss any follow-up appointments. There’s a lot of great medical resources online which you can share with your loved one to help them understand what their doctor is saying. Whilst there is a lot of misinformation, a quality medical information website can provide a lot of support. Make sure to discuss with your doctor anything that you find online so that you know it is true. Being diagnosed with a disease can be isolating so having someone with whom you can discuss your doctor’s instructions and treatment advice can help to share the load.
Help Them to Prepare Physically
Recovery from illness can be a long journey so if your family is suddenly diagnosed with a disease, help them to prepare physically for what is to come. Whilst the doctor will prescribe the best course of treatment and medicine, you can help to boost your loved one’s immune system by preparing them a healthy diet with all the daily vitamins and minerals they need to be at their best. Our bodies fight off disease and recover best when they are in good condition. Physical health also plays a big role in our mental health so helping your loved one to stay physically healthy will help to create a positive mood and mindset.
If someone in your family is diagnosed with a sudden disease, your responsibility first and foremost is to support them in any way that you can. Try to create a positive environment and help them in any way that you can. Being sick can be a very lonely experience so it can be invaluable to know that there is someone by your side.
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