July has begun, and with it, Dry July. Dry July is a fundraiser to encourage people to become alcohol-free for the month to raise needed funds for people in Australia affected by cancer. Dry July was first established in 2008, when three friends agreed to abstain from alcohol in July, hoping to raise money together for a local hospital. Since the first Dry July, more than 290,200 Australians have become inspired to ‘go dry’ from alcohol, and have raised over 73 million dollars for people and their families affected by cancer. When someone has cancer, you may feel unsure about what to say to them, or how to best support them. Every person with cancer will have a different experience, and it’s important to support them by being there for them during this time. Here are three ways you can show support to someone who has experienced living with cancer.
Emotional Support
For anyone struggling with an illness, recent research has shown that the emotional support they receive from their support people can make a big difference to their quality of life during their battle with that illness. Many people may be afraid when talking to someone with cancer, concerned that they have to be careful when speaking to not upset them, or say the wrong thing. This may be the opposite to how they may feel, and if you are open and honest with them, and you show your concern for them, this may be a great support for them during their battle. A few ways to give emotional support to them may be through hugging them, giving them a call or text to let them know you’re thinking of them, sharing a laugh with them, and keeping your relationship as normal and as balanced as you can.
Physical Support
When someone is ill, although emotional support is crucial to their recovery, having physical support can also greatly support them during this time. For many people with cancer, it may be difficult for them to want physical support, or they may find it hard to accept that support when offered. It’s important to check in with them to see if there is something you can help with, even if they decline your physical support. Try not to take it personally if they do decline, as they may want to remain as independent as they can. If this is the case, let them know that you respect their decision, but your offer is there if they change their mind. A few ideas to offer physical support to them may be making them a hot meal, offering to do their housework for the day, driving them to their appointment, picking up their groceries, or running an errand for them when they’re not able to.
Lend Your Ear
Being a good listener and offering a lending ear may become a great way to support someone with cancer or who is suffering an illness. A good listener will take the time to become aware of someone’s thoughts and feelings, and tune in with the person at that moment. Being a good listener doesn’t mean that you have all the answers, but it’s through sitting there, listening, and being there for them during this difficult time that can make you a great listener. When lending an ear, it may feel difficult or upsetting when hearing their struggles, however, do your best to not change the subject, as this will show them how you feel and that you care for them. A few ways to become a good listener may be by when talking to them to keep the setting private and relaxed, let them lead the conversation and do not interrupt them, if they cry to reassure them that it’s okay to be upset and that it’s a normal response, do not to give any advice unless they ask, and always give your full attention to what they’re saying.
Every year, many people in Australia are fighting the battle against cancer. If someone you know is one these, it’s important to remember that their experience will be difficult to another, and they may feel happy one day, and they may feel sad the next. If you can, show them support through being there for them, offering help, and having a normal conversation with them about everyday stuff to make them feel comfortable and normal during this time.
This year, become involved in Dry July by encouraging yourself, or your friends and family to become alcohol-free for the month, or by donating to the Dry July campaign to show your support for people in Australia affected by cancer.
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