Showing Love and Genuine Support
Whenever unwanted or unexpected life events occur, people are often quick to offer assistance in the form of generic (but well-intentioned) phrases, like:
- Let me know if you need anything.
- I’m here if you need me.
- If there is anything I can do, let me know.
- I’m here for you.
These are nice ideas, but generally ineffectual. When someone is coping with a cancer diagnosis, they are going to be working to manage their own needs, feelings, and struggles. Coordinating you and your efforts will be too much for them manage.
Your help, assistance, and aid will be appreciated, though. However, doing so will take more of an active role on your part.
Assess Your Loved One’s Individual Needs
To support someone with cancer, you must take the person’s individual traits into account. No method of support will be one-size-fits-all and expecting it to could create a great deal of harm.
Before you commit to any or all of the suggestions that follow, stop to consider the person you are supporting. What do they like? What are their aversions? Let these guide the attempts that follow.
A cancer diagnosis carries huge amounts of emotional weight; fear grows like weeds in a garden. Stress and cancer has a large impact on your mental health.
