How do I Support a Friend Whose Mom Has Lung Cancer?

Children whose parents are suffering from lung cancer often focus on supporting their family member through the illness. However, the children also need support from friends and loved ones. Watching a family member suffer is emotionally and physically draining. While she's caring for her sick mother, she risks feeling isolated, depressed and anxious. She's less likely to reach out for help. As her friend, you can help her cope with her mother's cancer by providing a listening ear and the occasional distraction.

Instructions

• 1

  Keep her smiling.

  Ask your friend to a movie. Take her for a cup of coffee. Help keep her from getting depressed or developing sleep problems by providing an escape now and then. Get her mind off her mom for a while.

• 2

  Help your friend out with her chores.

  Offer your help. Between doctor's appointments and hospital visits, it's likely your friend's time for herself has been reduced. Offer to feed to her dog. Make her dinner.

• 3

  Make sure she takes care of herself. She's not much help to her mother if she's not well herself. Ask her if she's getting enough rest and check on her general well-being.

• 4

  Talk it out. Don't let her keep her feelings bottled up. You're her friend. Allow her to share her fears and concerns with you. Of course, you can't solve her problems, but listening will go a long way.