Mental Health and Mesothelioma: How to Cope

Living with a diagnosis of mesothelioma isn’t just about the enormous physical challenges. Your mental health and mesothelioma diagnosis also play a big part in your overall health. This blog answers questions you and your loved ones have about how to cope with a mesothelioma diagnosis. We hope to help make this very difficult time in your life a little less challenging.

How Does Mesothelioma Affect Mental Health?

Getting a diagnosis of mesothelioma can have a huge impact on your mental health. Not only are you dealing with the very physical symptoms of the disease, but you have to deal with the emotional and financial stress as well. The sooner you recognize the emotional impact the disease is having on you and your family, the earlier you can receive the support you need.

Researchers found that mesothelioma can take a hit on your mental health and wellbeing. Some of the most common reactions include: ^{(1) (2)}

• Traumatic stress.
• Depression.
• Anxiety.
• Guilt.
• Feelings of hopelessness.
• Feelings of vulnerability.
• Feelings of discouragement and demoralization.

Like other types of cancer, a mesothelioma diagnosis can also lead to: ⁽³⁾

• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) types of symptoms.
• Emotional distress.
• Anger.
• Grief.
• Sadness.
• Fear.

What Mental Health Challenges Do Mesothelioma Caregivers Face?

Caregivers of loved ones diagnosed with mesothelioma face their own challenges. Their mental health can also be put to the test. Recognizing when you’re stressed out and feeling overwhelmed is a reminder that you need support, along with your loved one.

Researchers found that both patients diagnosed with mesothelioma and their caretakers experienced depression (30.21%), anxiety (50%), and post-traumatic distress disorder (33.33%). People caring for their loved ones diagnosed with mesothelioma actually experienced higher levels of mental health challenges. ⁽⁴⁾

Patients and their caregivers need support from the moment you receive a mesothelioma diagnosis. However, support shouldn’t stop there. Both patients and caregivers need continued support from their health care providers. Social connections with others and ongoing communication can go a long way in helping you facing a mesothelioma diagnosis. ⁽⁵⁾

Common Mental Health Challenges for Mesothelioma Caregivers

Some common mental health challenges for caretakers of someone with an aggressive cancer, like mesothelioma, include: ⁽⁶⁾

• Anxiety and burnout.
• Guilt or helplessness.
• Social isolation.
• Grief and anticipatory loss.
• Panic.
• Depression.
• Loneliness.
• Feeling inadequate as a caregiver.
• Fear — about your future and how you can cope when your loved one passes.

Anxiety can show itself in different ways, including: ⁽⁷⁾

• Dizziness.
• Fast or irregular heartbeat.
• Fatigue.
• Headaches.
• Irritability.
• Loss of appetite.
• General nervousness.
• Difficulty falling or staying asleep.
• Difficulty concentrating.

Coping Strategies for Mental and Emotional Health

Coping with anxiety can go a long way in helping people deal with a mesothelioma diagnosis. Here are some things to keep in mind if you have been diagnosed with mesothelioma: ⁽⁸⁾

• Find the middle ground between thinking about best-case and worst-case scenarios. Focus on what you can do, and take one thing at a time.
• When you can act to do something to help yourself, do it. The acts don’t have to be big. They could mean asking your family and friends for help when you need it, creating a calendar of appointments and things that need to be done, and getting information about your diagnosis. Joining a support group can also make a big difference.
• Find things that help you reduce your stress every day. Relaxing calms your anxiety. Maybe it’s just having a cup of coffee with a good friend or family member, listening to music, or watching a favorite show. Mindfulness, meditation, and breathing exercises can also help reduce stress.
• Make taking care of yourself a priority. Good basics include eating a healthy diet, exercising in some way every day, and aiming to get adequate sleep each night. Also, see your doctors for regular, routine care.
• Seek help from a mental health professional. Counseling and therapy may be able to help if your anxiety or depression becomes too much.

Special Tips for Caregivers

As a caregiver, you face your own challenges. Pay attention to what you need so that you have the strength and energy to care for your loved one: ⁽⁹⁾

• Make plans in your day to care for yourself.
• Find the time to relax and take a breather. Just 15 to 30 minutes a day can ease your stress.
• Take a nap.
• Do yard work or garden.
• Watch a television program or a movie.
• Enjoy a favorite hobby.
• Try gentle exercises like stretching or yoga.

Other Coping Strategies for Mesothelioma Patients

Here are some other coping strategies: ⁽¹⁰⁾

• Keep up with some of your favorite personal activities. Connecting with friends matters.
• Write in a diary or journal to express your feelings. You may feel better after letting some of those negative thoughts out. You can write about the stressful parts of your day or the really good parts.
• Look for whatever is positive, as well as things to be thankful for. Maybe it’s a good friend or someone who did your grocery shopping and cooked a meal. It really can be anything.
• Remember that laughter is okay. Laughter releases tension and can make you feel better.

Practical Tips for Day-to-Day Living with Mesothelioma

Right after receiving a mesothelioma diagnosis, give yourself time to let the news sink in. Physically and emotionally, listen to what your body needs. Then, come up with a daily routine for what works for you. Allow time for any daily medical treatment, rest, and also things you enjoy. ⁽¹¹⁾

Staying connected with others also matters. Today’s technology can help you reach out. Join an online support group. Also, talk with your health care professionals, including mental health care providers, about how to live with your mesothelioma diagnosis — both the emotional and physical experiences. ⁽¹²⁾

Ask for help in your daily life with routine tasks when you need it. Family, friends, neighbors, or your religious community members might all be happy to help you with your daily chores. Everything from cooking to cleaning to shopping can be helpful. Maybe you know someone who could help you take care of your kids — take them to school, pick them up, drive them to afterschool activities or events. Someone could drive you to appointments or pick up medications for you. ⁽¹³⁾

Dealing with Finances and Insurance

Talking about financial matters and insurance coverage can be challenging. The American Cancer Society offers suggestions on everything from financial concerns to topics about health insurance options. This includes supplemental security income and social security disability insurance. ⁽¹⁴⁾

How Weitz & Luxenberg Helps Families Focus on Healing

You don’t need to face a mesothelioma diagnosis alone. Hiring a law firm like Weitz & Luxenberg can ease your stress about legal concerns. We have been fighting on behalf of our clients diagnosed with mesothelioma and other asbestos exposure diseases for nearly 40 years.

We encourage you to let us handle the legal side of your mesothelioma diagnosis. You can then focus on your emotional and physical healing, as well as your mental health and mesothelioma diagnosis.

Depending on your circumstances, filing a mesothelioma lawsuit is typically the best way to receive the compensation you deserve. Sometimes lawsuits are resolved through settlements. We can help you explore your legal options to see what approach would work best for you.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

There are many questions about mental health and mesothelioma. Here are answers to some of them:

Are There Mesothelioma-Specific Support Groups for Patients and Caregivers?

Yes, the Mesothelioma Applied Research Foundation offers support for patients diagnosed with mesothelioma and your caregivers. This nonprofit, charity organization has created mesothelioma-specific Facebook groups for a general audience, for patients themselves, and for caregivers. They also offer Zoom meetings and conferences. ⁽¹⁵⁾

How Do I Talk to my Doctor About Mental Health Concerns Related to Mesothelioma?

First, know you are not alone. Roughly 20% of the population struggles with some form of mental illness at least once in their lives. Receiving the right kind of treatment for your mental health can go a long way in helping you deal with the physical challenges you’re facing. ⁽¹⁶⁾

How Can Legal or Financial Help Reduce Stress During Mesothelioma Treatment?

Any financial help you receive can alleviate your anxiety. Filing a lawsuit against the company that failed to safeguard your health does two things. It helps you get the compensation you deserve for the treatments you need and can cover the expenses of daily living. And, it holds the negligent company accountable for the harm it caused you. Knowing you have a law firm fighting on your behalf means you can focus on your own health and let someone else do the heavy lifting — a big stress reducer.