Asbestos & Mesothelioma Law Blog
Dealing with mesothelioma can be extremely difficult. Sadly, many mesothelioma patients suffer from stress. Unfortunately, stress can negatively affect a person’s physical and mental well-being. Among other things, stress can:
- Cause mental health issues
- Increase the risk of stroke
- Increase the risk of heart attack
- Suppress the immune system
When it comes to cancer, researchers have found that stress can be associated with increased fatigue during chemotherapy. However, according to research, active stress management techniques can help cancer patients. Below is a look at some stress management techniques that can help mesothelioma patients manage stress.
Exercise
According to the American Cancer Society, exercise is a safe and helpful activity to engage in during treatment for most cancer patients. The American Cancer Society believes that physical activity can help improve a patient’s quality of life as well as the energy they have to do the things they like.
In summary, when it comes to helping a patient deal with the stress associated with mesothelioma, regular exercise can:
- Help reduce anxiety and depression
- Help a patient sleep better
- Increase a patient’s appetite
- Keep or improve a patient’s physical ability to get things done
However, it is crucial for a mesothelioma patient to discuss exercise with their doctor before beginning. A mesothelioma specialist can help a patient determine the safest and most beneficial physical activities to engage in.
Meditation
Meditation can help a mesothelioma patient turn down the noise in their head caused by stress. Generally, meditation involves turning one’s attention to a single point of reference. During meditation, one can focus on bodily sensations, the breath, or a word, known as a mantra. According to the American Cancer Society, for some cancer patients, meditation has been shown to help reduce depression, anxiety, fatigue and improve mood and sleep when used together with standard medical treatment.
Diversions/Hobbies
During recovery, diversions and hobbies can prove quite helpful. Diversions and hobbies can keep a mesothelioma patient from worrying about every decision being made and every single pain.
Because everyone’s life is different, when it comes to diversions, the options vary. For example, if a wedding is coming up in the family, use that as a diversion. Also, finding an interesting class and enrolling is a way of diverting one’s mind from the stress of mesothelioma.
Other Helpful Tips for Coping With the Stress of Mesothelioma
Below are some other things mesothelioma patients can do to deal with stress;
- Writing/Journaling
- Finding a support group
- Taking short walks
- Connecting with other people
- Spending time with family
- Taking a break and slowing down
Lastly, one effective way of relieving stress is asking for help. If, for example, you feel stressed because of the substantial medical bills you are dealing with, do not hesitate to ask for help from an experienced mesothelioma attorney. A mesothelioma attorney can help you recover compensation from the at-fault party that exposed you to asbestos.
Nationwide Mesothelioma Lawyers
If you or a loved one were diagnosed with mesothelioma, contact our office to speak to one of our experienced mesothelioma attorneys about your situation. Our office can help investigate your case and determine if compensation can be sought from negligent parties to help pay for your medical treatment.