by Life Credit Company | Dec 1, 2015 | Quality of Life & Emotional Support
There are few greater challenges for couples coping with a recent cancer diagnosis than learning how to share the fear in a way that draws them closer, not apart. At Life Credit, our hearts go out to all of our families and individuals facing this difficult time together. Promising to love one another in both sickness and in health is easy during the wedding vows. When cancer strikes and reality sets in, it can be difficult for couples to cope with the diagnosis. Cancer doesn’t just affect a person’s health; it can also devastate their home, relationships, career, and financial status. Here are some tips for couples coping with cancer. Emotional Support There is no handbook for supporting a partner with cancer. Each case is unique, and every cancer patient needs something different from their partner. But one of the best ways to be there for them is to simply listen. It is perfectly natural for both parties to feel scared, shocked, and a loss of control. Don’t be afraid to display your feelings to your partner, but be patient with them as they navigate their own emotions. Practice active listening. This means concentrating on fully comprehending what your spouse is saying rather than thinking about your reply. Never assume what your partner is feeling or thinking or what they will say next. If a statement is unclear, ask them to reiterate it. Join a Support Group There are tons of support groups out there for cancer. Research local ones in your area and consider joining a group with your spouse. If they feel uncomfortable doing so, you may reach...
by Life Credit Company | Aug 12, 2015 | Quality of Life & Emotional Support
Help for cancer patients shouldn’t just be available for the physical components of the body. At Life Credit, we are dedicated to offering resources that also help to nurture patients mentally and emotionally. Along with offering financial support, we devote much of our “research time” to learning about unique programs such as meditation and mindfulness for cancer patients. The SPARK Cancer Support Center recently published a post on their website highlighting the benefits meditation and mindfulness can have in cancer patients’ lives. Imagine a world in which you are able to enjoy a deep sleep, drastically lower stress, and manage pain utilizing meditation. Mindfulness is the intentional focus of one’s attention on emotions, sensations, and thoughts that are happening in the present moment. The ancient system helps to improve memory and boost the immune system while cultivating peacefulness and reducing stress. Benefits of Mindfulness for Cancer Patients There have been numerous studies conducted that scrutinize the benefits of mindfulness for cancer patients. In 2014, the U.S. Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality states, “Meditation programs, in particular mindfulness programs, reduce multiple negative dimensions of psychological stress.” Another study published in 2000 looked at 90 cancer patients who practiced mindfulness meditation during a seven-week period. An overwhelming 31% reported lowered symptoms of stress and 67% experienced less mood disturbance than those who did not meditate. A 2010 Canadian study reported that mindfulness helped to reduce stress in cancer patients and their partners. Additionally, a 2005 review by the Research Council for Complementary Medicine found that meditation, when practiced alongside chemo and radiotherapy, helped cancer patients to feel more positive and optimistic. Meditation for...
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