Mesothelioma Grief Counseling

What Is Mesothelioma Grief Counseling?

Through mesothelioma grief counseling, mental health professionals help patients with mesothelioma understand and work through their feelings as they battle cancer. Mesothelioma grief counselors are trained social workers, psychologists, and psychiatrists who can help you no matter where you live.

Cancer takes a heavy toll on patients and families alike, but counseling can help you express your problems and process feelings of grief after diagnosis, during mesothelioma treatment, and beyond.

Grieving Process for Mesothelioma Patients

After you or someone you love is diagnosed with mesothelioma, it’s normal to experience a wide range of feelings. A common emotion accompanying a cancer diagnosis is grief, typically experienced in various stages.

The 5 stages of grief are:

1. Denial: The first stage, denial, can go hand-in-hand with shock. This may come right after a mesothelioma diagnosis or later if someone you love passes away.
2. Anger: You may feel anger because mesothelioma has no cure and its treatments can be very taxing on the body.
3. Bargaining: In this stage, you may dwell on the “what ifs” and try to understand why you got a terminal illness like cancer.
4. Depression: This stage may occur when you begin to accept your mesothelioma diagnosis. Crying, sleep disturbances, and decreased appetite can all accompany depression.
5. Acceptance: In this stage, you have processed your grief and become better equipped to face life with mesothelioma.

While these stages are common, they may not be linear or predictable. You will likely move in and out of the stages or skip stages entirely.

“Since each person grieves differently, the length and intensity of the emotions people go through varies from person to person.”

– The American Cancer Society (ACS)

Regardless, grief counseling can help you move through each stage more comfortably.

If you are struggling with a mesothelioma diagnosis, our 2023 Mesothelioma Guide may be able to help. This free brochure has information on top mesothelioma specialists, treatments, financial aid, and more.

How Can I Access Mesothelioma Grief Counseling?

Depending on your personal situation and preferences, you may rely on one or more of the mesothelioma grief counseling options below.

Oncology Social Workers

After diagnosis, your mesothelioma doctors may refer you to an oncology social worker. Social workers can provide mental health counseling, help with day-to-day concerns like accessing financial aid and connect you with other useful resources in your area.

Most hospitals and cancer centers have social workers on staff.

Psychiatrists and Psychologists

Sometimes, your social worker may refer you to a psychologist or psychiatrist. These professionals focus exclusively on diagnosing and treating mental health problems. Additionally, psychiatrists can prescribe medications for depression and anxiety in certain cases.

Talk to your doctor or social worker to learn more about the benefits of working with a psychiatrist or psychologist.

“Living with cancer is a huge challenge for everyone. Even a few counseling sessions will likely help you.”

– The American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO)

Mesothelioma Grief Support Groups

Support groups allow you to connect with other mesothelioma patients who can help you feel less alone in your cancer fight and understand your struggles.

Online, in-person, and over-the-phone support groups provide mesothelioma support for patients and caregivers.

Pastoral Services

After a mesothelioma diagnosis, you may wonder why you got cancer. In these cases, pastoral services can help you sort through your emotions and spiritual questions.

It is common for clergy members to have training to help cancer patients. If you’re interested, reach out to your place of worship to see what services are available.

Speak with our trusted advocates to get help accessing grief counseling.

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Mesothelioma Grief Counseling for Family and Friends

A mesothelioma diagnosis is not only life-changing for patients but also for the people closest to them. Because of this, grief counseling is equally important for family members, loved ones, and mesothelioma caregivers.

Grief While Caring for a Mesothelioma Patient

You may need to make life adjustments if you are caring for someone with mesothelioma. Speaking with a counselor can help you manage the emotions that come with these changes.

“I think I was more frustrated and angry than my husband was. When they said to me that there was no cure for [mesothelioma], my life flashed before me.”

– LaTanya, Wife of Mesothelioma Patient

Staying on top of your own mental health can help you process grief and be a better caregiver for your loved one.

Tips for Mesothelioma Caregivers

Caring for a loved one with mesothelioma can be stressful, time-consuming, and emotionally draining.

Here are 3 practical tips for people navigating life as a caregiver:

• Ask trusted family members and friends for help
• Create new memories with your loved one
• Educate yourself on the patient’s condition

Our free Self-Care for Caregivers Guide has more information specially curated for people caring for a friend or family member with mesothelioma.

Grieving With Children

Children may grieve the death of a loved one differently than adults do, according to ASCO. For example, their grief may come in short bursts or waves as they age.

Some ways to help a child through grief include:

• Allowing them to express their emotions
• Explaining that the death was not their fault
• Keeping an open line of communication
• Sharing information about the loved one’s life with the child

If your child has difficulty processing grief, it may be helpful for them to see a psychologist or counselor.

Grief in Losing a Loved One

When someone you love passes away from mesothelioma, remember that there is no right or wrong way to grieve. Every loss is different, and no two people experience grief similarly.

You can also seek help from a counselor if your symptoms of grief are severe and long-lasting (complicated grief) or if you think you may be suffering from depression.

Researchers studying grief associated with families of patients who died of malignant pleural mesothelioma in Japan found that 19% of family members experienced depression and 15% complicated grief. 

Additionally, the researchers found that family members were more likely to be depressed or suffer from complicated grief when:

• They did not receive financial assistance related to their relative’s asbestos exposure.
• They were dissatisfied with the critical care their loved one had received.
• Their relative had undergone surgery.

As a result, the researchers concluded that family members should be routinely screened for these mental health conditions and provided with grief care. The study was published in June 2022 in the Journal of Clinical Medicine.

Find Support for Coping With a Mesothelioma Diagnosis

If you’ve been diagnosed with mesothelioma, you can access emotional support from your family, friends, and counselors. There is no shame in reaching out to others for assistance during your cancer fight. The same is true if you are the loved one of someone battling cancer.

These mesothelioma organizations also offer resources to help you navigate grief:

• American Cancer Society
• American Society of Clinical Oncology
• Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization
• Mesothelioma Applied Research Foundation
• The National Cancer Institute

Our compassionate Patient Advocates can help guide you if you’re unsure where to start. Contact our support team at (866) 608-8933 for help 24/7. There is no fee.