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  • Anonymous
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    Post count: 93172

    As people diagnosed with graves disease we all go through a roller coaster of emotional
    reactions and feelings. I think it is important to share some of
    the ways friends can help us and also family and signficant others.

    BE THERE FOR THEM:
    You do not have to have all the medical or theological answers about their situation.
    A simple hug, a reassuring touch and a listening ear can be a most efficient
    therapy.

    BE CALM:
    Remember, you are there for them. They may be looking for
    you to be a source of strength and emotional security. Try to have
    a soothing and calming effect upon them.

    BE PRESENT AT CRISIS TIMES:
    Be there for them at the beginning of major treatment processes or after devastating test results.
    Just your presence can be a welcome source of encouragement.

    OFFER A SENSE OF HUMOR AND CONTACT WITH THE OUTSIDE WORLD:
    Laughter can be among the best medicines when used appropriately. Graves
    patients need a good joke or funny story once in a while.

    HELP THEM EVALUATE AND TAKE ADVANTAGE OF AVAILABLE RESOURCES:
    There are many support groups and agencies that provide beneficial
    services to graves patients. Organizations such as the National Graves Disease
    Foundation and Thyroid Foundation of America offer excellent respources for the patient,
    family and friends.

    ALLOW THEM FREEDOM TO EXPRESS THEIR EMOTIONS:
    Let them cry when they need to. Try not to be judgmental
    when they express anger or are depressed. Again, learn to listeen to them.

    SEEK TO COMMUNICATE REALISTIC HOPE:
    Provide spiritual support through prayer and religous inspiration.

    DON’T FORGET THE SIMPLE THINGS:
    Simply just asking what can I do for you to help you out may inspire some
    stress or relief.

    “It has been said that friend in need is a friend indeed.”

    Show this handout to family, friends and significant others.

    Love, Health and Happiness!

    Anonymous
    Participant
    Post count: 93172

    Denise,

    Good advise. When I had my eye radiation treatments done I felt funny because the radiation area is for cancer patients. I was still scared but handling it maybe because I was on the prednisone and saying the Serenity Prayer a lot. Well, about my third visit an older man volenteer sat down and just started talking to me. Next thing you know he knows why I was there and reassured me about my eye radiation treatment and briefly shared his experience with cancer.

    I had choosen to go to the treatments alone. I can be nervous by myself and really did not need my husband to hold my hand. I think he just would be nervous with me! Going there for 10 days can be a lot too.

    The part that great was that man and I had something in common, getting radiation treatments and he already knew that there was nothing to it!
    His gift of time and listening was so nice.

    Michele

    Anonymous
    Participant
    Post count: 93172

    thankx denise, i join last wed, and have had alot of family illness and you all were great
    in the middle of the group there was one funny thing said and it really improved my mood. i have copied this and will use it, so thanks again. hope

    Anonymous
    Participant
    Post count: 93172

    What a nice story. I felt guilty about feeling sorry for myself when having the radiation. The doctor seemed so solemn until my eye doctor reminded me most of her patients died. This disease may be hard to deal with, but we are going to live. It’s been a couple of years since my radiation. I still am not stabilized, but I think of that situation when I get depressed, and it helps me realize things could be worse. The second time I had radiation treatments I had a friend go with me for someone to talk to instead of letting my brain just run with crazy thoughts.

    Anonymous
    Participant
    Post count: 93172

    Denise,
    Beautifully said! Thank you so much!!!!!

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