5 Ways to Help Someone You Love Stay Positive When Faced with a Serious Health Condition
Your support provides comfort and motivation to stay strong
Ginger has idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), a rare and serious lung disease that worsens over time and causes permanent damage to the lungs. Currently there is no cure for IPF, but the condition can be managed through FDA-approved medicines and other treatments, such as oxygen therapy and pulmonary rehabilitation.
But managing this uncommon disease goes beyond the disease’s physical impact. Living with a serious health condition has a mental and emotional impact as well, and staying motivated and positive is a key part of facing the disease.
Ginger is fortunate to have the love and support of her family, her treasured support group and her two dear friends, Linda and Vickie. Linda believes she was put in Ginger’s life for a reason and refuses to let her give up. She supports Ginger on tough days and accompanies her to doctor appointments. Vickie calls Ginger “her hero,” noting how important it is for her to make sure Ginger feels connected to others. They have a monthly lunch date during which they share stories, laugh a lot and sometimes cry.
You don’t have to be a doctor or caregiver to make a big difference in helping someone cope with a serious disease.
Here are little ways Linda and Vickie found to make a big difference in supporting Ginger, and how they suggest you can help your loved one, too:
1. Help them stay motivated by showing support.
Many people living with a serious disease like IPF experience feelings of helplessness, anxiety or depression. These feelings may make it harder for them to find the motivation to be proactive about managing their condition. You can give them a boost when they’re feeling down by reminding them of what you know is important to them or what they can look forward to. Encourage them to work with their doctor to develop a plan; you may be able to help them continue to do some of the things they enjoy.
2. Get them out and about, and make sure they take time for fun.
Sometimes your loved one may feel down and not want to get out, or their physical limitations may make it difficult or embarrassing for them. Help them find hobbies or activities that suit their ability level, so they are safe and bring them joy instead of stress. Even something as simple as going to the movies or meeting for a coffee or tea can bring happiness and laughter and help them find motivation.
3. Be a good listener, and remind them you’re there for support.
This can mean difficult conversations about what they are experiencing and feeling, which may be an adjustment from your typical conversations. Your ability to engage and listen will allow them to open up and be honest, which can make facing the hard road ahead a little easier. Remember to have empathy and encourage them to share how they are truly feeling—even if it is hard to hear. You can also offer to help provide practical support in situations where they might feel overwhelmed, like by accompanying them to their doctor appointments, so they have a second set of ears capturing information they need to make important decisions about their care.
4. Encourage them to join a support group.
A support group can provide a place for them to speak honestly and establish a sense of community with others facing similar challenges. Other people who share your loved one’s specific condition can help them learn and better cope with the unknown. This may ease feelings of isolation, help develop a sense of empowerment and reduce stress and anxiety. Your loved one’s doctor should be able to help identify a group that best suits their needs, and the Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation (PFF) has information about in-person and online support groups here.
