How Mesothelioma Affects Mental Health and Coping Strategies

Many Americans are aware of the severity of a mesothelioma diagnosis. This is an aggressive and terminal form of cancer, and life expectancy after diagnosis is quite low. While the physical effects of the disease are apparent, it is important to understand how mesothelioma affects mental health and the coping strategies you and your family can use after receiving this life-changing diagnosis.

Understanding the Impact of a Mesothelioma Diagnosis

Receiving any serious medical diagnosis can be a crisis for the patient and their family, especially when the diagnosis is terminal. Many people who are diagnosed with mesothelioma not only face severe physical pain and discomfort during treatment but also anxiety, depression, and chronic stress. Their loved ones are also likely to experience mental health complications as they come to terms with the fact that the victim may not have much time remaining.

Each year in the United States, about 3,000 new cases of mesothelioma are confirmed, and about 2,500 people die of the disease. Treatment typically consists of proven effective cancer treatments such as radiation, immunotherapy, and chemotherapy, along with lifestyle changes and nutritional support. More than 65% of mesothelioma patients who undergo chemotherapy live for three or more years, but life expectancy after diagnosis is usually 18 to 31 months.

If you or a family member has recently received a terminal mesothelioma diagnosis, it can be very difficult to accept. The patient is certain to wonder what they can expect during treatment, how much time they have remaining, and what will happen to their family after their death. Their closest friends and family will also struggle with their own feelings, and there are a few coping strategies that might help.

Valuable Coping Strategies for Mesothelioma Patients and Their Families

It is important for both mesothelioma patients and their families to know a few strategies for coping with the news of this terminal diagnosis:

• Support groups are invaluable sources of guidance and compassion. Your family can connect with other families facing the same struggles, learn useful tips for managing everyday life with the disease, and make valuable friendships during a very difficult time.
• Caregivers must not neglect themselves. While it’s common for caregivers to be so focused on their loved ones that they eventually start neglecting their own nutritional needs, sleep schedule, and mental health, it is detrimental to both them and their loved ones. Taking breaks and rotating caregiving responsibilities with family and friends are valuable ways to stay healthy and focused in this challenging situation.
• Developing a consistent schedule for medication, therapy, medical appointments, and everyday events is a good way to eliminate some of the day-to-day stress for both mesothelioma patients and their caregivers.
• Working with an experienced mesothelioma lawyer can help a family find a sense of closure and ensure accountability when a specific party is responsible for their loved one’s diagnosis. If you succeed with a mesothelioma lawsuit, it could not only help you and your family feel more at peace with the situation but also provide valuable compensation that helps to address the financial issues the situation has caused.
• Maintaining a healthy lifestyle is crucial for both mesothelioma patients and their caregivers. New recipes, exercise, and outdoor activities are effective at increasing health outcomes during any type of cancer treatment. Exploring new things can be refreshing and help boost mental health after a mesothelioma diagnosis.

These are just a few examples of coping strategies that may help a family after a mesothelioma diagnosis. Ultimately, it is an incredibly difficult situation for anyone to face, and the right attorney can be an invaluable asset if you believe you have grounds for legal recourse for this diagnosis.

The attorneys at Wallace & Graham are ready to provide the legal representation you need in this difficult time. If you are unsure how to proceed with a mesothelioma case, you have limited time in which to do so, so reach out to our firm at your first opportunity to learn how we can help.

FAQs

Q: How Is a Person’s Daily Life Affected by Mesothelioma?

A: A person’s daily life can be affected by mesothelioma in several ways. They may face a strict regimen of medications, doctors’ appointments, and various other necessities. They may also need help managing everyday tasks and may not be able to work. Additionally, the stress, depression, and anxiety they experience can make everyday life more difficult in many ways. Close support systems are invaluable for anyone diagnosed with mesothelioma.

Q: What Are the Psychological Effects of Mesothelioma?

A: The psychological effects of mesothelioma will vary on an individual basis. Many people experience fear, anxiety, and depression when they have a terminal diagnosis. It’s also natural to feel frustrated when they know the cause of their condition, such as asbestos exposure at a former workplace. Their close family and friends can also experience psychological effects such as anxiety and depression.

Q: Is Mesothelioma Curable?

A: No, mesothelioma is an incurable cancer. Once the disease has caused noticeable symptoms, it has progressed to an advanced stage, and the patient will have a relatively short life expectancy even with proper medical care. Treatment for mesothelioma usually entails chemotherapy, radiation treatment, immunotherapy, nutritional support, lifestyle changes, and other therapies that vary on an individual basis.

Q: Can I Sue for Mesothelioma?

A: You may have grounds to sue for mesothelioma if a specific party is responsible for the asbestos exposure that caused your condition. Due to the very long latency period of mesothelioma, you may need to review years or decades’ worth of records in order to determine the most likely cause of your diagnosis. Speak with an experienced mesothelioma lawyer as quickly as possible after diagnosis to determine your most viable legal options.

Q: Should I Hire a Lawyer for a Mesothelioma Case?

A: It’s a good idea to hire a lawyer for a mesothelioma case because these cases are inherently challenging in several ways. You may not only need help to accurately determine the true cause of your condition and identify the defendant responsible, but you will also be more likely to maximize any compensation you obtain if you have the right attorney handling your case. You have limited time to file the case, so consult an attorney right away after diagnosis.

The team at Wallace & Graham can provide compassionate and results-driven legal representation for your mesothelioma case. Our firm has successfully represented many past clients in difficult cases and will leverage this experience for you. While it’s important to know mesothelioma mental health effects and coping strategies that can help, contact us today to learn about the benefits of experienced counsel for exploring your legal options.