Would it Help to Talk To Someone?

Finding the right person to talk to
There will often be people around at this time. There will be family and friends, as well as the different health professionals who are involved in caring for the person who is ill. Sometimes people identify a particular person that they would like to develop a bond with. This would be someone to talk to; someone who will listen to any concerns, and discuss what is happening without judging what is being said.

Professional help
Sometimes it can be difficult to work through emotions and feelings alone. Not everyone can share what they are feeling with family and friends for many different reasons. Talking to a professional who is not directly involved in the situation may be helpful. Ask about referral for counselling, which is really about someone to listen.

Support groups
Support groups are another form of support that many people seek, as sometimes it is easier to talk with other people who are going through similar experiences.

For patients: There are different kinds of groups, sometimes with the same specific disease type (such as Alzheimers disease), sometimes for all patients with similar but not specific problems (such as cancer support groups). There are not only face to face support groups but also online ones, which offer forums, bulletin boards and chat rooms.

For carers: There are carer support groups, and many of the disease specific organisations have carer support groups.

Investigate the different ways of getting needed support, but don’t continue with it if it isn’t helpful. Ask for referrals or suggestions from health professionals.

If you need help now

Ring your GP or hospital
Ring Lifeline on 13 11 14

Resources

The Beyond Blue website has an information line that may be useful 1300 22 4636.
ABC Health Matters has information on patient support groups.
Carers Australia has information on carer support groups and on talking it over.

This page was created on 26 May 2009 and is due for review in May 2011