Helping a family member or loved one with a new diagnosis or continued support can be challenging, especially if you’re unsure how to help. It’s common to feel helpless and confused.
Practical and emotional support are the two main components. Think about what you can offer and how you can show up for the people you love. Below, you’ll find do’s and don’ts for helping someone diagnosed with an illness, including breast cancer or multiple sclerosis.
What will help:
- Do: Ask specific questions like, “Would you like me to pick your children up from school today?”
- Do: Support the range of emotions felt after their diagnoses, like anger, fear, shock, and sadness.
- Do: Offer your shoulder to cry on or hand to hold if needed.
What won’t help:
- Don’t: Tell them horror stories about other people with the illness.
- Don’t: Stop calling or visiting even if your calls go unreturned.
- Don’t: Tell them to “be positive” or that someone else has it worse.
Supporting your loved ones through a challenging diagnosis means helping them retain some normalcy in their lives.
