Support

Disease related to asbestos is rare. Having asbestosis, lung cancer, mesothelioma, or any of the other related diseases can be depressing, isolating, and hard to handle. It is important that you access all the help and support that is available to you and your family during your time of need.

There are several stages of emotion that we go through when handling a crisis in our lives. These feelings can include anger, shock, denial, grief, depression, and finally acceptance, but not in that order. This is not a process to go through on your own. You and your family need to disuss these issues surrounding your condition, and work through it. It's healthy to feel this way, it's not healthy to pretend you don't have some or all of these emotions.

Other issues such as final life decisions, can be difficult to concentrate precious energy on. They will however make later conditions less stressful, and are better dealt with in the beginning, rather than the end. Your family will also need time to come to terms with what is happening to their loved one, and prepare for the illness and it's effects.

There are many support groups, local and national with information that may be of use to you or your family. Be sure to discuss any emotional symptoms you may have noticed with your doctor. Severe depression may need to be treated medically, and can help to keep you as healthy as possible while battling your illness.