Survivorship
Co‑Survivors: Patients and Caregivers, United as a Team in the Fight
Co‑Survivors can be classified into two categories: those who act out of pity and sorrow may elicit sympathy but can neglect their own well‑being and risk compassion fatigue; those who act out of compassion recognize the importance of self‑care alongside caring for others and are driven by empathy.
Tips for Co‑Survivors
- Prioritize self-care: allocate time for yourself, join a support group, or talk with a counselor.
- Seek meaning in the cancer journey: reevaluate life, discover new purposes, and find value in the experience.
- Educate yourself about compassion fatigue and reach out for support.
- Establish emotional boundaries and maintain healthy balance.
- Pursue outside interests and hobbies beyond the caregiving role.
- Maintain a gratitude journal and reflect on positives.
- Develop resilience and acknowledge imperfections.
- Express your emotions and ask for help managing family conflicts.
- Prioritize your time and focus on what matters most.
- Acknowledge your best efforts and remember you’re doing your best.
- Reflect in solitude to process your emotions.
- Request assistance with tasks; you don’t have to be the expert.
- Involve teens and children so they can contribute and feel included.
“How well people manage their lives marked by illness depends not on the nature of the illness, but on the strength of their conviction that life is worth living no matter what complications are imposed on it.”