Mesothelioma And Mental Health: Navigating Your Diagnosis
Anyone who has been diagnosed with mesothelioma, or knows someone who has been diagnosed with mesothelioma, understands that the disease is a life altering event. Among the challenges following a diagnosis, the impact on mental health is significant and often downplayed.
What is mesothelioma?
Mesothelioma is a type of cancer that develops in the lining that covers the outer surface of some of the body’s organs, including the lining of the lungs (pleural), abdomen (peritoneal) and heart (pericardial). It’s usually linked to asbestos exposure1.
Symptoms of mesothelioma can include shortness of breath, tiredness, chest pain, a persistent cough and unplanned weight loss.
The impact of mesothelioma on mental health
The impact of mesothelioma on an individual varies between person to person.
Sherborne et al (2024) conducted a literature review, determining the impact of mesothelioma on wellbeing and mental health and the conclusions included the following:
- Anxiety and fear – at pre-diagnosis, during scans, appointments and testing and post diagnosis due to an associated lack of control. Patients and carers may also experience anxiety or fear regarding the intensity/speed of symptoms and eve disease progression;
- Anger – towards previous employers who they believe exposed them to asbestos dust. Patients may redirect their anger towards family or health care professionals;
- Frustration – over treatment delays, not being eligible for treatment, dependency on others and no longer being able to do the things they once enjoyed2.
Sherborne et al’s study also shows the impact of a mesothelioma diagnosis on carers and family members, as they also play a crucial role in the mental well-being of patients, providing physical and emotional support. Their mental health, following their loved one’s mesothelioma diagnosis, should not be underestimated.
The results are stark and emphasises patients and their families are affected across various aspects and stages in their lives.
The problem
In their literature review, Sherborne et al (2024) noted that patients and carers reported they were not offered emotional support to cope with the diagnosis and were often unaware of the availability of such support3.
What support is available for patients and families?
Asbestos support groups are a crucial source of support for individuals and families affected by mesothelioma and other asbestos related diseases. Support groups can offer a community of understanding and shared experiences, as well as practical assistance.
Alternatively, professional and specialist support and advice is available via counsellors and psychologists.
Community specialist palliative care nurses, such as hospice nurses, can also provide emotional support to those suffering from mesothelioma and their carers.
Here at Hodge Jones & Allen, we work closely with asbestos support groups and other professionals to ensure those who have been diagnosed with or affected by an asbestos condition receive the necessary emotional support they need.
What Hodge Jones & Allen Solicitors can offer
Our specialist Asbestos and Industrial Disease Team understand that a mesothelioma diagnosis may be difficult to navigate and you may not know where to turn for help. We can assist with legal matters and DWP benefit applications, as well as introduce you to your local asbestos support group. The service we offer is at no financial risk to you.
If you or a loved one have been affected by asbestos exposure and require legal advice in relation to seeking compensation, please contact our Asbestos & Industrial Disease Team today on 0330 822 3451 or request a callback.
