| Mesothelioma Support Groups Alleviate the Emotional Burden of the Rare Cancer Terminal cancers such as malignant mesothelioma affect far more than the patient's physical health. The patient and his or her loved ones also encounter significant emotional stress. While a doctor can tend to the medical component of mesothelioma treatment, support groups can better address the mental and emotional needs that accompany the physical aspect. According to the psychiatrist Elisabeth Kübler-Ross, M.D., those coming to terms with a terminal diagnosis experience five stages of grief: denial, anger, bargaining, depression and acceptance. Many mesothelioma patients and their loved ones experience denial when first facing the news of the cancer. Typically, denial is a defense mechanism and is commonly expressed in statements such as, "This is not happening to me" or "My loved one is not really ill." Eventually, denial can no longer offset reality, and anger sets in. Patients often feel angry at God or a higher being for allowing the illness. Meanwhile, family members internalize the anger and blame themselves for their loved one's death or feel angry at the patient for passing away. In the bargaining stage, which replaces anger and typically occurs as the patient is fighting the cancer, individuals attempt to postpone death. Typically, this indicates awareness that death is eminent, yet the grieving individual may bargain with a higher power to prolong the patient's life. Once the mourner recognizes that bargaining will not change the patient's prognosis, depression may set in. Following diagnosis or death of a loved one, many note moderate to severe feelings of hopelessness that may interfere with sleep, appetite, personality traits or interest in daily activities. Acceptance is the final stage in the grief process. After experiencing the former emotions, acceptance signifies peace with the situation. Although arriving at this stage takes time, it is often facilitated through a comforting support network. These emotions are natural and in no way indicative of weakness. Talking to others in similar situations provides reassurance and comfort in knowing they are not alone. Mental health professionals - particularly those who specialize in terminal illnesses - are well equipped to help process these emotions and deal with loss. Local or online-based support groups are also excellent resources for mesothelioma patients and their family and friends. A network of fellow patients, survivors, caregivers and loved ones can provide mesothelioma patients and their families a healthy means of coping with the diagnosis. Mesothelioma presents a unique situation where patients and their families have only a short window to process the situation. The news is often a shock, and those involved tend to feel resentment towards the companies whose asbestos-laced products placed the patient in harm's way. Although the cancer is rare, many groups exist to address the unique needs of mesothelioma patients and their relatives. Additional information on support groups and coping with a mesothelioma diagnosis may be found through the Mesothelioma Center.
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