Living With Cancer | Sharing Diagnosis | After Treatment | Quality of Life | Caregiving | Family & Friends

Being the caregiver of a loved one suffering from cancer, can be very emotionally draining. A study in the Social Science and Medicine Journal in the year 2000 found that caregivers suffer more emotional stress than even the patients. Spouses are also found to have less support than the patient.

Caregivers should be advised not to try and do everything. Seek help outside the home, and try and cut back your responsibilities, and find support for yourself. There are support groups designed just for spouses of cancer patients.

Remember to watch out for signs of being overwhelmed. Anger, depression, loss of appetite, sleep apnea, and exhaustion may all be signs of stress levels becoming out of hand. Seek support from a professional, or a religious advisor, to help you to cope. Delegating some of your responsibilities is important as well.

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