As a family member, friend, or caregiver to a person with cancer, you may be asked to take on new responsibilities at the same time that you are processing information on an emotional level.
You may have to learn about the disease that your loved one is suffering from, for example, and how it is treated. This might involve learning new skills and giving medicines. You may need to provide physical care and help manage symptoms, such as pain or nausea.
In fact, providing care to a loved one can seem like a full-time job, one that is often performed in addition to paid employment and other important responsibilities. For many, the stress of caregiving can easily become overwhelming, resulting in symptoms that range from mild distress, fatigue, and irritability to severe anxiety and depression.
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