How can we emotionally support someone suffering from cancer?

Receiving a cancer diagnosis is a life-altering moment not just for thepatients but also for their family members. In the realm of comprehensive andholistic care, emotional well-being is a vital and integral component. It is often awandering question in the minds of most healthcare providers and family
members, “How can we emotionally support individuals suffering from cancer?”

It is not one single act that can make a big difference, rather it is a combinationof multiple meaningful actions that can bring ripples of change. Acknowledging the emotional toll on individuals with cancer definesthe foundation for effective support and a sense of understanding. Encouragingopen dialogue without judgment allows patients to express their fears,concerns, and hopes. Sitting with loved ones through their challenging times with a compassionate presence and empathy can serve as a powerful source ofsupport. Through active listening, it is essential to address the uncertainty withrespect to the different stages of treatment and recovery and validate the widerange of emotions felt through the journey.

Each person’s journey through cancer is unique. The emotional supportshould be tailored through understanding their personal preferences. Somemay find support just through quiet companionship, while others may wish toreceive space for vocal expressions. Understanding these aspects can enhancethe effectiveness of the support provided. Alongside the unique preferences, itis important to keep reminding the family members and their dear ones battlingwith illness to acknowledge the milestones and build a sense of gratitude andlove towards themselves.

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Your loved ones should be encouraged to foster a mindful presence of theirbeing. They tend to ruminate in the past in search of the reasons for developingcancer in their body or anticipating the possible side effects of the treatmentand their prognosis. With that hustle, they forget to recognise the importanceof efforts they can make in the present moment to build a better mind-bodyconnection.

Embracing mindfulness and self-care through simple acts of mindful eating, regular exercise, sufficient quality sleep and building a better lifestylecan make a difference. Not to forget, helping individuals find pockets of joyfulmoments, realising they are important and people care for them can furtherprovide enhanced emotional well-being.

In addition to motivating your close ones to build better emotionalregulation through the illness, providing a consistent supportive connection from your side as a healthcare provider and caregiver can immensely impacttheir well-being. It is needed to understand that the cancer journey can bemarked by fluctuations in emotions, from moments of optimism to times ofdeep despair. Regular check-ins can convey a commitment to stand with themthrough the phases of treatment and also aid them in developing a sense of trustand security.

Individuals who feel emotionally well-supported tend to expressthemselves better, build resilience, openly ask questions and actively participatein the shared decision-making process related to their treatment. Emotionalsupport is an ongoing process. It helps to build a strong foundation of physicaland mental well-being, and healthy coping through the complex journey oftreatment and survivorship. Providing supportand nurturing emotional well-being is one of the greatest forms of investment needed by individuals dealing
with cancer for their overall health and a better quality of life

(With inputs fromDr Aarushi Saluja, Psycho-Oncologist, Department of Mental Health and Behavioral Sciences, Fortis Memorial Research Institute, Gurugram)

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