Learning to deal with stress and other reactions to a mesothelioma diagnosis can, of course, be quite difficult and can affect the patient's life in a major way. The most common reactions when a diagnosis is received include:

• Shock or disbelief - Often, a newly diagnosed patient is unable to grasp the reality of the situation. They describe themselves as being "in a fog" or may ask that their doctor or family members repeat information over and over again. Some recently-diagnosed meso patients refuse to talk about the diagnosis while others appear totally devoid of emotion.
• Why me? - Some patients begin to question why they've been diagnosed with mesothelioma. They wonder what they did to "deserve this" and begin to question God as to why he's allowed this to happen.
• Guilt or blame - Patients may begin to blame themselves for the disease, questioning why they allowed themselves to work a job that exposed them to asbestos.
• Fear - A diagnosis of mesothelioma changes your whole life and leaves the future uncertain. For most, this is one of the scariest aspects of the disease or any other terminal illness.
• Anger - It's natural to be angry about developing mesothelioma. It's good to remember that while it's okay to be angry, you shouldn't direct your anger at family members or friends.
• Depression - Many newly diagnosed cancer patients slip into some form of depression, either minor or severe.
• Denial - Some patients are uncomfortable talking about their diagnosis, but a handful will totally deny that they've been diagnosed with cancer.

Seeking Help for Stress-related Issues

Addressing all of the above issues will help control the stress and anxiety that comes with your diagnosis. However, you may find that you need professional help to overcome some of these reactions. There is a wealth of individuals available to assist when the stress becomes too much for you to handle. They include:

• Psychologists - Licensed psychologists aren't hard to find and chances are that your doctor or oncologist can recommend a good one. Many specialize in working with individuals who've beendiagnosed with a terminal illness and can help you sort through the issues that accompany diagnosis.
• Psychiatrists - These doctors are similar to psychologists except for the fact that they are permitted to prescribe medications for anxiety, stress, or depression. If you need such medications, don't look upon the need as a weakness. Many terminal patients require help in controlling their emotions. Be sure, however, that your psychiatrist is aware of all the other medications you're taking to combat your mesothelioma. Some may negatively interact with each other.
• Social worker - Most hospitals with cancer care units offer special oncology social workers that can help lessen stress, not only through counseling but also by assisting in the set up of things like care planning and social services.
• Clergy - If you are a religious person, you may want to contact your clergyperson to speak with him/her about your diagnosis. Clergy can help you deal with ?why me?? issues and, in the later stages of your disease, can assist with end-of-life questions within the parameters of your chosen faith.

Asking for Help

Even the strongest individual will need help in dealing with the stress of amesothelioma diagnosis and with all the things that will follow, including treatments, hospitalization, reduced quality of life, estrangement from family and friends, and other things that commonly occur when someone develops a terminal illness. It's okay to ask for help!

You may find, however, that while family members and friends are eager to offer their support, it may still be necessary to find a psychologist, psychiatrist, counselor, or clergyperson with whom to talk. There may be things that you're uncomfortable discussing with your family, and because the hired counselor is essentially a stranger, you may find that it's easier to confide in them without fear of your conversations being relayed to others.

Some medical insurance policies will cover sessions with a therapist so be sure to check with your human resources department or with your insurance carrier directly to determine whether or not you will need to bear the cost of counseling.

Alternative Methods

If you prefer not to seek counseling or if you still need further help in controlling your stress, you might be interested to know that many terminal patients turn to alternative treatments for stress reduction. They include:

• Meditation - Many patients find that the serenity of meditation helps them relax and control their stress, even if just for a little while. However, once you learn the particulars of meditation, you should be able to summon those calm feelings whenever you need to do so. Yoga is also recommended for those who are physically able.
• Massage - A soothing massage is often wonderful in relieving stress and you can take advantage of a massage as often as needed. However, chances are that your insurance will not pay for these unless administered by a physical therapist.
• Hypnosis - A relaxed, trance-like state can alleviate the symptoms of stress and hypnotherapists can teach the subconscious mind how to begin to develop strategies to deal with stress on an ongoing basis.
• Acupuncture - Specialists in this field of Chinese medicine note that it can help alleviate stress and anxiety as well as depression, and may promote a feeling of self-confidence and well-being.