How to support your partner while embarking on the Breast Cancer Journey
In a partnership, there are always phases a couple might go through depending on their upbringings, experiences, relationship, and other factors. This October is Breast Cancer Awareness month and we want to acknowledge families that are embarking on their breast cancer journey. Many women develop breast cancer and the journey of physical illness can cause a tornado of emotions that many couples have to experience. In this blog article, we are sharing our top tips on how to best support your partner while embarking on their breast cancer journey. Keep on reading to learn more!
Tip #1: Give them their space to breathe and to grieve
Developing breast cancer can be a scary experience in itself and having time to grieve the process is something every person needs. Being there to support them, but also holding space for them is one great way to support them as they go through the experience of chemotherapy and any relevant surgeries.
Tip #2: Do your best to help them stay positive during a time of illness and an unknown future
Mental health is something we all need to work on in general, but it’s especially important during a time of dealing with a scary health experience. Some great tools can be praying, meditating, journaling, and talking with a loved one. This is where you can come in and be a great support to them.
Tip #3: Communicate with your loved one to make sure they always have a support system
When someone is going through an experience such as breast cancer, it can lead to a lot of repressions and result in a loss of conversation. Letting your loved one know you are there for open conversation can be very helpful.
Tip #4: Respect your loved one’s decisions
There are always major decisions that come along with an experience such as breast cancer including surgery, chemotherapy, and other medical procedures. Being respectful of what they decide for themselves and your family is a great way to support them.
Tip #5: Volunteer to manage the financial paperwork
Financial paperwork and medical bills are daunting to handle, especially for someone who is going through a very difficult experience. Volunteering to help manage this for them and your family can offer a sense of ease.
Tip #6: Talk with your significant other
Talk with them about how you can help with paperwork, appointment setting, and other duties. Offering to help with that can help take a lot off your significant other’s plate so they can focus on healing and getting better.
Tip #7: Do what you can to make them feel better
Breast cancer is a scary thing and can involve a lot of ups and downs. Bringing your significant other treats or food can help bring them comfort and know you are there for them.
Tip #8: Always check in to make sure your significant other is well-fed and hydrated
Cancer and treatment can be exhausting and getting fuel is always helpful. Making sure your significant other is hydrated and well-fed is another great way to support them.
Tip #9: Join a breast cancer support group!
Meeting others going through the same experience is something that can be empowering and can help you support your significant other through their experience.
All in all, breast cancer is a tough thing to bear and there are so many ways you can support your significant other through the experience. Do you have any tips on how to best support your significant other? Comment and share with us below.
Happy breast cancer awareness month!
Begin Working with An Online Therapist in Wake Forest, NC
Our team would be honored to offer you and your partner support as you navigate your breast cancer journey. We offer support from our Wake Forest, NC-based practice and across the state via online therapy. You can meet with a caring therapist by following these simple steps today:
1. Book your initial therapy session.
2. Meet with a caring therapist.
3. Start receiving the support you and your partner deserve.
Other Services Offered At My Therapist
We offer a variety of in-person and online services from our Wake Forest, NC-based practice. Our team is happy to offer individual therapy for relationship issues, couples workshops, and marriage counseling. We also offer family therapy, therapy for relationship trauma, couples intensive therapy, foundations of lasting love, and AAMFT supervision. For more helpful information, please read our blog or visit our services page!