How to Comfort a Friend with Multiple Sclerosis and Cancer
Visit often., Talk about good things., Don't talk about anything., Don't brush aside or dismiss your friend's fears., Bring small gifts., Say uplifting things about your relationship that are hard to say., Faith may be important in your friend's...
Step-by-Step Guide
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Step 1: Visit often.
Visiting is a form of physical contact, like hand holding or hugging, which are also recommended. -
Step 2: Talk about good things.
Take them out for the day.
Do not focus on disease processes or the loss of independence, unless they would like to talk or vent their feelings.
Talk about the flowers, family and friends, what your friend ate for breakfast.
Read to your friend, the newspaper, the Bible, poetry, whatever your friend prefers. , Be there.
Hold your friend's hand while he or she is sleeping.
Watch a movie together.
Listen to music. , He or she has a potentially fatal disease.
It is normal to be afraid.
Listen to him or her and don't say things like, "Oh, you'll be alright" or "Don't be afraid" or "So-and-so had the same thing, and they are fine now." While this may be true, your friend may feel that you are minimizing their condition and denying their feelings of fear. , Ask if you can bring anything special.
You are also offering the gift of your time. , "I want you to know that I will be there for you through anything you face." or "I love you and I always will."
Talk about it! , Some talk directly to God.
Others pray silently.
You might pray in Hebrew, Arabic, or another language of your religion.
Maybe you are atheist.
If that be the case, thoughts of, "I hope ______ gets better soon!" is good enough for anyone. , Offer to wash the dishes or clean the litter box, etc. ,, Look for daily blessings and simple pleasures. -
Step 3: Don't talk about anything.
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Step 4: Don't brush aside or dismiss your friend's fears.
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Step 5: Bring small gifts.
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Step 6: Say uplifting things about your relationship that are hard to say.
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Step 7: Faith may be important in your friend's life.
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Step 8: Everyone prays differently.
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Step 9: Ask your friend and his or her family if there is anything that you can do before you leave.
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Step 10: Don't patronize or belittle your friend.
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Step 11: Make the most of every moment.
Detailed Guide
Visiting is a form of physical contact, like hand holding or hugging, which are also recommended.
Take them out for the day.
Do not focus on disease processes or the loss of independence, unless they would like to talk or vent their feelings.
Talk about the flowers, family and friends, what your friend ate for breakfast.
Read to your friend, the newspaper, the Bible, poetry, whatever your friend prefers. , Be there.
Hold your friend's hand while he or she is sleeping.
Watch a movie together.
Listen to music. , He or she has a potentially fatal disease.
It is normal to be afraid.
Listen to him or her and don't say things like, "Oh, you'll be alright" or "Don't be afraid" or "So-and-so had the same thing, and they are fine now." While this may be true, your friend may feel that you are minimizing their condition and denying their feelings of fear. , Ask if you can bring anything special.
You are also offering the gift of your time. , "I want you to know that I will be there for you through anything you face." or "I love you and I always will."
Talk about it! , Some talk directly to God.
Others pray silently.
You might pray in Hebrew, Arabic, or another language of your religion.
Maybe you are atheist.
If that be the case, thoughts of, "I hope ______ gets better soon!" is good enough for anyone. , Offer to wash the dishes or clean the litter box, etc. ,, Look for daily blessings and simple pleasures.
About the Author
Kevin Sullivan
Enthusiastic about teaching lifestyle techniques through clear, step-by-step guides.
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