William Collinge, PhD, LCSW is a consultant, author, lecturer and researcher in the field of integrative health care. He runs a private practice of psychotherapy in health and medicine of the mind / body in Oregon for individuals and couples cope with serious illnesses challenges and has extensive experience in supporting people with cancer . This post was provided by William to help families dealing with a mesothelioma diagnosis.
Through the eyes of relatives of people with mesothelioma, there is no doubt that the disease and its treatments affect not just the patient, but those around him as well . It is a shared experience ?? in fact, studies have found that caregivers can have as much or even more distress than patients.
One reason for this is that although the mesothelioma patients have specific actions to take, such as treatment and medication, caregivers can have a feeling of not knowing what to do that might influence on the welfare of the patient. This "not knowing how to help" can lead to feelings of helplessness and frustration for the caregiver says that following the emotional burden of caring for a loved one through a serious illness and its treatments.
Moreover, when caregivers are aware of the specific actions they can take to help reduce suffering in their loved both people better. the quality feel of their relationship improves and caregiver role becomes much more satisfying and fulfilling.
recent research in nursing education found that in a sense caregivers can reduce symptoms in cancer patients is by simply using the touch . studies have shown that the simplest forms of touch, including key single light or holding parts of the body, can be as effective as a formal massage provided by a professional therapist, to provide relief from pain and other symptoms.
most people think of massage as a professional skill that requires special training. Thus, caregivers can not think of this as something they can offer. For this reason, the National Cancer Institute sponsored a study to develop and evaluate and educational DVD program for caregivers called "Touch, Caring and cancer :. simple instructions for family and friends" Program offers instruction in simple techniques for the comfort and relaxation that can be done at home safely and efficiently. A study of the program included patients with lung cancer, and other types of cancer, and found that their relatives were able to significantly reduce pain, anxiety, depression, fatigue and nausea patients using the techniques taught in the program.
more we learn about the effectiveness of touch and other complementary therapies, it becomes clear that there is a great deal caregivers can do to strengthen and support their families feel better being treatment. New initiatives for the education of caregivers emerge across the country as the number of people in a caring role continues to grow. Caregiving can be a real source of satisfaction for both the donor and recipient with learning new skills.
For more information on Touch, Caring and Cancer click here. Did you enjoy this client? What experts do you hear? Let us know in the comments below, on Facebook or Twitter.
