Dealing with feelings
After receiving a diagnosis of mesothelioma, dealing with the emotional impact is one of the most difficult tasks that you and your family face. At Williams Kherkher, we are here to help you work through all aspects of your situation, whether they are physical, emotional, or legal. If you need a strong partner to lean on during this difficult period in your life, contact our mesothelioma attorneys at 800-781-3955.
Working through Your Emotions
Start by realizing that whatever you’re feeling, it’s normal. Everyone reacts differently to the news that they have mesothelioma. Some of the emotions you may go through are:
- Disbelief
No one is ever ready to hear the doctor tell them that they have cancer. When the diagnosis is mesothelioma, that disbelief may be even more profound. You may have never heard the word before, or you may not even realize that you’d been exposed to the asbestos fibers that cause the cancer. It’s very common to feel that “this can’t be happening to me.” - Fear of pain, illness, or abandonment
Support groups and individual counseling are excellent ways to deal with the fears and uncertainty that a life-threatening diagnosis brings with it. While there may not be a local support group dealing specifically with mesothelioma, you’ll find many cancer support groups where you can get information and share your feelings with others in similar situations. - Anxiety over finances, treatment options, the future
Uncertainty over the future brings anxiety with it. The best way to overcome anxiety, and the feeling of helplessness that often comes with it, is with action. Learn what resources are available to help your family financially, physically and emotionally. - Guilt about your role in your disease
It’s easy to get caught up in blaming yourself for not seeking medical help sooner, or making poor decisions about your health. Know that mesothelioma is not your fault, and that your best defense against guilt is information. Inform yourself about how you were exposed and what legal recourse you may have against those who are truly at fault. - Depression, hopelessness and grief
Depression is not just feeling upset. It is a serious health concern, and may even be a side effect of your mesothelioma treatment. If you begin to feel hopeless, lose interest in activities you enjoy, or have self-destructive thoughts, contact a professional counselor right away. - Anger at the world, God, and/or your employers
With this disease, anger makes sense. You have been wronged by companies that put their profits ahead of your health and your family’s well-being. Taking action by filing suit against the companies that have caused your illness may bring some satisfaction. Also, write to Congress and ask them to fund more research for mesothelioma.
None of these feelings are wrong. You have to give yourself the right to experience your feelings and to share them with others.
Contact Us
Williams Kherkher has been helping men and women with mesothelioma for years, and we are ready to help you and your family. If you have any questions about your legal options, contact mesothelioma lawyers Williams Kherkher at 800-781-3955.
