Taking care of your feelings and available support
In this section, we cover the importance of looking after yourself when you’ve been diagnosed with mesothelioma and the support that’s available to you.
In this section:
- Taking care of your feelings
- Support and other organisations that can help
- Financial support
- Specialist legal support
- Thinking about the end of your life
Taking care of your feelings
Being diagnosed with mesothelioma can be frightening and it’s normal to feel overwhelmed. You might feel shock, fear, disbelief, anger, loneliness or resentment. You might feel a mix of these emotions. Sometimes it can be hard to accept that you have cancer and you might feel like you just want to be left alone.
It’s also a difficult time for your friends and family, who might be experiencing many of the same emotions.
When you’re ready, it’s important to talk about your feelings. You may find it helpful to talk to friends and family. You can also talk with your cancer nurse specialist. If you need more support, your cancer nurse specialist can help you find a counsellor or psychologist. Some GP practices have a counsellor as part of their team.
I get immense support from my family, friends and old colleagues. My consultant is fantastic, and I have a close relationship with my mesothelioma nurse, who is always there to comfort and support me. I also get a lot of love from the support group I attend. We normally meet monthly, where we have guest speakers covering issues relevant to our condition. We also have outings and other speakers about topics of interest away from mesothelioma.Sandra
Read Sandra’s experience of living with mesothelioma
Support and other organisations that can help
General advice and support
Our helpline team of respiratory nurse specialists are there to answer your questions. They can also help you find a local mesothelioma or asbestos support group. Call them on 0300 222 5800. Lines are open 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday.
Mesothelioma UK has a helpline, information about mesothelioma and can help you find a support group or specialist solicitor. Mesothelioma UK have also launched a project aiming to provide support for armed forces and veterans affected by mesothelioma.
Helpline: 0800 169 2409
Asbestos Victims Support Groups Forum UK
The forum represents asbestos victims support groups and provides advice on benefits and compensation for those with mesothelioma and their families.
Asbestos Awareness and Support Cymru
AASC gives support to people with asbestos-related disease in Wales. It has a network of support groups and works to raise awareness.
Helpline: 01495 272479
Action on Asbestos campaigns for people with asbestos-related disease in Scotland. It advises on welfare rights and has a network of support groups. They can also help you find a specialist solicitor in Scotland.
0141 552 8852 or freephone 0800 089 1717
Mick Knighton Mesothelioma Research Fund (MKMRF)
The MKMRF is now part of Asthma + Lung UK. It aims to raise awareness and fund crucial research projects into mesothelioma.
Support for carers
Support is available for carers as well. Take a look at these organisations:
Carers Direct - 0300 123 1053
Carers Direct is the NHS resource for carers. It has an online guide to care and support and a helpline.
England
Carers UK - 0808 808 7777
Wales
Carers Wales - 0808 808 7777
Scotland
Care Information Scotland - 0800 011 3200
Carers Trust
Carers Scotland - 0808 808 7777
Northern Ireland
Carers NI - 028 9043 9843
Download our mesothelioma information (PDF, 166KB)
Last medically reviewed: November 2020. Due for review: November 2023
This information uses the best available medical evidence and was produced with the support of people living with lung conditions. Find out how we produce our information. If you’d like to see our references get in touch.
