What Do I Do Now? - 117

117
EMOTIONAL HEALTH /// CHAPTER 73
Who can you get support from?
It may take a few shots at finding the right person, but it's
worth making the effort.
Parents
If you have a positive relationship with your parents, you
may find that your parents are able to offer you most of the
support you need. Don't assume that they know how you
feel - they are not mind-readers, so you might have to spell
out for them exactly how they can help you (and how not to
help you!).
Friends
Some friends may be great at giving you just what you need
when you ask. Be thoughtful about who you choose to share
with and set yourself up for success.
Just being able to express your fears, frustrations and
thoughts can help.
Sometimes all you want is to feel normal again for a while.
Be sure to make time to have some fun.
Partners, boyfriends and girlfriends
You and your partner might be very close, and cancer may
have pulled you apart. Your partner can be there for you
even when you don't feel up to talking to other people. Being
able to laugh and cry together is what strengthens this
relationship.
Brothers and sisters
If you have brothers and sisters, they may know you better
than anyone else and you may share things with them that
you don't with other people. Sometimes it is the unspoken
support that is really helpful. They can also be useful when
you are trying to negotiate with your parents.
Other relatives
At time, you may get along better with an aunt, uncle or
grandparent than you do with your parents - you get to
choose who you want to share your experiences with and the
many important people in your life have different strengths.
Seek out support from whoever you think will be best suited
for the need you have.
Mental Health Professional
Seeing a mental health professional can be a really good
way to deal with your emotions and thoughts and get
support from an expert. Did you know there are mental
health professionals who specialize in working with young
adults with cancer? Even if you have the support of family
and friends, a counselor will listen to you and you can say
things to them that you may not want to say to anyone else.
They are skilled in helping you find ways to cope with anger,
sadness, and fear. Because you are a cancer survivor, you
likely have special access to social workers and mental
health professionals. Don't be afraid to use them - there is a
reason they work in a cancer setting!
You can also try a school counselor, an Employee Assistance
Program at work, or a private-practice therapist.
Teachers or Professors
Maybe there is a particular teacher or professor you have a
good relationship with. Teachers work with young people all
the time and are often great listeners. Don't be afraid to let
them know what is going on.
Other Young Adult Cancer Survivors
There are often support groups that meet routinely for
adolescent and young adult cancer survivors. Often times,
other cancer survivors just " get it, " and no matter the
cancer type or stage, there is a level of understanding
between survivors that others just can't relate to. There are
organizations that work with young people who are in the
same boat and who get what you are going through. This
might not sound like a good idea to you right now (others
have said the same thing), but once you actually go you
might change your mind.
Online support
There are lots of online support groups, blogs and forums
for people who have been diagnosed with cancer. It can be
helpful to read other people's stories and know that you're
not alone in what you are feeling or experiencing. Being
anonymous and not actually having to talk to anyone may be
easier for you. Be careful not to go down a rabbit hole, trying
to absorb everything from the internet. No matter how much
you read, you will still have your own unique experience with
cancer.
https://fwaya.org/
What Do I Do Now?

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