What are some coping strategies found useful by mesothelioma victims?

Mesothelioma is such a disease that affects not only theperson diagnosed with the disease, but his or her lovedones, too. The intention to write this article is to offersome resource for patients and their families who are livingwith this disease. Coping with mesothelioma, unlike othertypes of cancer, can be significantly difficult. There arefew support groups specifically available for mesothelioma.These are quite often informal groups of people who residein the same area or who occasionally meet each other indoctors' chambers or hospital waiting rooms. There arelarger and more organized support groups for cancersufferers in general but not for mesothelioma sufferers inspecific. Let's see how this support groups operates. Support GroupsThe main job of the support groups is to help people, dealwith the challenges that they are facing. It is known thatover 20% of Americans have participated in some type ofself-help group. There are mainly two types of supportgroups that are available. They are online support groupsand community centred support groups. Nowadays in an era ofinternet the number of online support groups is graduallyincreasing. It is possible that a support group exists inyour community or on-line that can help to provide you therequired support.Support groups may provide several benefits: "A social platform for getting connected with others whoare facing similar situations."A platform to know how others have coped with challengessimilar to the ones you are facing presently. "A safe, non-judgmental atmosphere where one can sharefeelings."The reassurance that you are not alone, there are other'stoo who have either suffered in the past or is undergoingthe same presently."A platform where you can reliably share information. "A source of reliable Support from others who understandfrom personal experience what you are going through Incidentally there are different types of support groupsthat are available. This includes groups with strong focuson a particular disease such as mesothelioma, groups ofcaregivers, and family-centered groups.Some of the Characteristics of a successful group are asfollows: "A mix of participants from various age groups."Honesty of purpose"A caring atmosphere "A sense of trust should prevail among members "A good facilitator "Members should abide by the group rules, includingconfidentiality.Apart from joining support groups, a patient should beencouraged by his family members to remain relaxed and tryto focus on the bright side of the life. A patient shouldnot feel depressed and emotionally drained. The familymembers or the caregivers should create a healingenvironment and encourage the patient to think positive.There are lots of inspirational books that tell how peopleare fighting mesothelioma and other life-threateningdiseases. Meditation is another way to keep your minddistracted from morbid thoughts and tension. Did you know mesothelioma clinical symptoms are hard to detect? Find out why by visiting http://www.mesothelioma-a.com/
as well as Medranks.com
Matt West serves as marketing director for A Touch of Home Inc.