Health

Coping with illness

What you need to know

Some illnesses can be really serious and this can make you feel confused and scared. A lack of understanding can also make things seem worse. By knowing the facts, you will learn exactly what you or someone else is experiencing and how best to cope and deal with the situation.

Your doctor is the expert and will be able to tell you the facts about what you are going through.

There are specially set up support groups for many of the serious illnesses. Again, your doctor may be able to help you find a support group that can help you.

If you are feeling depressed and lonely because of an illness to you or a loved one, there are also a number of organisations that you can speak to for reassurance.

What you can do

• Find out as much as you can about the illness. Think about what it actually means to have the illness and how it affects the person who is ill. Ask for advice on how family and friends can help you or how you can help someone cope with a serious illness.

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