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JadeContributor
Both of the people I care for have been diagnosed with a terminal illness. My mother with stage 4 colon cancer and my cousin an acute type of leukaemia.
Both of them have become very anxious and depressed. I feel helpless, how can I know how they are feeling when I have not been through this myself.
I would really like to talk to others that are living with or have lived though this or similar situations.
In response to: Mental health of people with terminal illness
Tim_HSenior Contributor
Hi Jade,
I don't have personal/family experience with this. However I work in disability insurance and speak to people with terminal illnesses daily, many of which are depressed and anxious.
There are two cases.
1. People that already suffer depression/anxiety, then diagnosed with a terminal illness (which increases depression etc).
2. People who become depressed/anxious after terminal illness diagnosis.
In either situation I admit to people 'I don't know' how they feel. But remind them I care and will assist them anyway I can. But it's tough, no two ways about it. I hope you find some people to help you more.
In response to: Mental health of people with terminal illness
NikNikSenior Contributor
Hi Jade,
I think alot of people here are in the same boat, feeling a sense of helplessness because they haven't been through the same thing as the person they care for. This doesn't make you any less of an effective and wonderful carer though! Just being there for them, regardless of what they are going through, is so powerful.
There's a great organisation called Palliative Care Australia (http://www.palliativecare.org.au/) who have created a great resource called "What Can I Say? What Can I Do" (http://www.palliativecare.org.au/portals/46/resources/whatcani.pdf) which you may find helpful.
Please remember, you don't have to be everything and try and solve every problem for the people you're caring for. There are mental health professionals and services out there to assist with their anxiety and depression they are going through.
It sounds like you have a lot that you're managing right now - I hope you're also looking after youself too.
Take care
In response to: Mental health of people with terminal illness
FatimaSenior Contributor
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Help us push aside the stigma and discrimination surrounding complex mental health and change the way people talk about, and care for, mental illness.
SANE acknowledges the Traditional Owners of Country throughout Australia and recognises the continuing connection to lands, waters and communities. We pay our respect to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures; and to Elders past and present.
SANE values diversity. We are committed to providing a safe, culturally appropriate, and inclusive service for all people, regardless of their ethnicity, faith, disability, sexuality, or gender identity.
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