That person could be a loved one, friend, co-worker, church member…
You find out they have cancer and you’re not really sure
what to say or do…
With good intentions, you may recommend the latest food or
supplement they should take to “cure” cancer…
To help cheer them up you might say “you look great!” or “did
you lose weight?”
or to express your sympathy, you share a story of how you
knew someone who died from cancer…
I know you mean well but…
Your good intentions can be mentally destructive to someone
battling cancer.
Here is why…
Just about everyone they know (in person or online), suggests
the latest “news” or “advice” on curing cancer.
To someone who has been diagnosed, it adds to the overwhelm and
confusion of what to do.
They've noticed their physical changes… whether its hair loss,
weight, etc.
The moment you mention something about their appearance, they're reminded that cancer has changed the way they look and can take your positive
complement as a cover-up for “wow, he/she really looks bad”.
You may be trying to be sympathetic but mentioning anything about death triggers worry, fear and anxiety
in us.
The above examples are just a few of the common mental
struggles someone diagnosed with cancer has to deal with on a daily basis…
I hope this gives you a better understanding of how difficult cancer can be
mentally…