Mesothelioma Caregivers Facebook Group Offers Support, Resources
Cancer & Caregiving
Written by Michelle Whitmer | Edited By Walter Pacheco
Caring for a loved one with mesothelioma is not an easy task. It can be an overwhelming process to adapt to, and support from others who understand it is helpful when times get tough.
That’s why The Mesothelioma Center at Asbestos.com has launched a new private Facebook support group exclusively for mesothelioma caregivers. Aptly named the Mesothelioma Caregivers Support Community, this group serves as a safe online forum for caregivers to connect with one another, share experiences and seek advice.
Because the group is private, you must request to join and answer a few membership questions. In order to make it a safe space for all attendees, during the sign-up process we will connect you with a Patient Advocate who will confirm your loved one’s diagnosis. We do not share your contact information with anyone in the group.
Support Group Helps Caregivers Cope
Mesothelioma caregivers become the strongest source of support for their loved one throughout treatment and recovery. The spouses and children of mesothelioma patients often adopt the role of caregiver. Developing a system of support helps them avoid taking on too much work, which can lead to caregiver burnout.
As a caregiver, it’s important that you take care of yourself in addition to your loved one. Family and friends can offer a network of crucial support and be a great source of comfort.
Mesothelioma support groups additionally offer priceless experience, insights and support from others who are dealing with the same issues. These groups connect people going through similar emotions and experiences.
Support communities provide emotional connection, knowledge from direct experience and helpful resources. Learning how other families cope with cancer helps caregivers develop confidence in how they respond to challenges.
Mesothelioma Forum Provides Safe Space for Discussion
The Mesothelioma Caregivers Support Community is only open to individuals caring for mesothelioma patients, so members can express themselves without worry of hurting a loved one’s feelings. They can also share tips on how to manage the challenges of being a caregiver, including coping with stress, dealing with financial issues and balancing caregiving duties with personal needs.
The Mesothelioma Center also hosts a monthly virtual mesothelioma support group where caregivers can connect with other families facing a mesothelioma diagnosis. That Facebook group, the Mesothelioma Survivor, Caregiver and Family Support group, is open to mesothelioma patients and their loved ones.
Joining a support community can remind caregivers to look for signs of burnout, such as emotional, mental and physical exhaustion. Group members often share strategies to overcome caregiver burnout, such as how to access respite care, which can provide much-needed relief.
Feeling isolated when taking care of a loved one with mesothelioma can happen easily because this cancer is rare. Many family members also feel angry that their loved one is ill because of unnecessary asbestos exposure.
Mesothelioma caregivers can turn to the Mesothelioma Caregivers Support Community to process feelings, find supportive resources and learn how other families are caring for a loved one with mesothelioma.
