Host Amber Smith: Here's some expert advice from psychologist Dorianne Eaves from the Upstate Cancer Center.
How can a person help support someone who has been diagnosed with cancer?
Dorianne Eaves, PsyD: I think it's meeting them where they're at. And oftentimes people try to understand or cheer them up, and a lot of times they might not want that. Just seeing what their needs are, meeting them where they're at and also knowing that -- I tell couples all the time -- that it impacts you very differently. You all are going through the same thing, but it's like you're reading the same book, but you're on different pages, and each of you have not read the page that the other one is on. So I think this is where I can come in and support them both, and finding ways, practical ways, of helping and supporting a patient.
And also knowing that a lot of times they still want to maintain their autonomy and their role within the relationship and their independence. So finding ways that they can still have that while also helping and supporting them along the way, too. And it might be, like said earlier, attending appointments with them, driving them to appointments and being that person that's taking notes and asking you the questions that the patient has so that the patient can be in the moment, too.
But it's a very difficult thing to come alongside someone that is going through cancer, cancer treatment, and a diagnosis. So just meeting them where they're at and supporting their needs. And also as a family member and caregiver, knowing that your needs are important to support as well.
Host Amber Smith: You've been listening to psychologist Dorianne Eaves from the Upstate Cancer Center.
