It’s hard to see a loved one going through something as difficult as cancer. Watching them go through treatment and seeing the physical, emotional, and mental toll it takes can be incredibly tough. However, there are things you can do to help make their journey a bit easier. Here are ways to cheer up your loved one during their fight against cancer:
Offer Comfort and a Listening Ear
Sometimes, all your loved one needs is for you to be there. Being available to offer a comforting presence or a shoulder to cry on can make a world of difference. Simply being present and letting them know you’re there for them can go a long way. You don’t always need to say anything; sometimes, simply being in the same room as them can provide some measure of comfort. This is important even if your loved one doesn’t want to talk. When this happens, you must respect their wishes and give them the space they need. But be sure you can still be there for them when they’re ready to talk or want companionship.
Help Maintain Their Self-Confidence
Cancer treatments can often have side effects on a patient’s physical appearance. This includes hair loss, weight changes, and skin changes. While these side effects are often out of a patient’s control, they can still have a negative impact on their self-confidence and mood. One way to help your loved one during their battle with cancer is to help them maintain their self-confidence. You can do this by complimenting them often or helping them with their appearance. For instance, if your loved one’s hair is starting to fall out, you can offer to help them shave their head or find a wig that suits them. You can help your loved one to find a wig they like by going to an online wig shop and helping them choose from the catalog. Doing so will help your loved one feel more confident about their appearance and less self-conscious.
Do Something Fun Together
It’s important to find ways to take your loved one’s mind off their diagnosis and treatment. Plan fun activities they can look forward to that will help create lasting memories. This could be anything from taking a trip to the beach to going out for ice cream or catching a movie together. Active distraction helps take their minds off the current situation and ease some stress and anxiety they may be feeling. However, before planning your trip and activities, be sure you know their treatment schedule, so you don’t accidentally plan a trip that coincides with their treatments. Similarly, be sure to ask their doctor if there are any activities or food your loved one should avoid so you can also plan accordingly.
Bring Laughter into Their Life
Laughter truly is the best medicine. When your loved one is feeling down, try to bring some laughter into their life. This could be in the form of watching comedy shows or movies together, playing fun games, telling a few jokes, or simply share fond memories with one another. But you can ask a friend or family member for help if you aren’t confident in your humor. You can also try to remember the things that make them laugh and incorporate them into your time together. Whatever you do, just be sure not to force it. The goal is to make them laugh, not to make them feel uncomfortable. Focusing on the positive and looking back on happy times can help improve your loved one’s mood and provide much-needed levity during tough times.
Ask if They Need Anything
When you’re trying to think of ways to cheer up your loved one, sometimes, the best way to do so is by directly asking them what they need. The only one who knows what they need to feel better is them. So when you don’t know what you can do, it’s okay to admit it and to ask them directly. This also shows that you care about their well-being and want to help in any way you can. Being honest with them also shows you genuinely want to help and respect what they want when planning their day.
Cancer is a difficult journey for the individual battling the disease and those who love them. So remember to also care for yourself so you can be there for them. Try to maintain open communication, be understanding and patient, and be there for them when they need you. Don’t forget to laugh and enjoy your time together. Creating positive memories will help your loved one through tough times.
