Welcome!

Today’s Moderator:Dana Nolan, MS LMHC

Licensed Mental Health Counselor

Ask questions & share your story

Getting Through the Holiday Season When You Have Mesothelioma

What Is So StressfulAbout the Holidays?

Too much of a good thing:Shopping expectations (fear of debt)Social invitations (work, family and friends)Overindulging in rich foods, sweets and alcoholOur own (and others) expectations of what the

holiday season should beOverdosing on family “togetherness”Loneliness (if you don’t live close to your family

or loved ones)

(877) 626-5916

Mesothelioma During the Holidays If healthy people find the holiday season stressful,

mesothelioma patients and their caregivers may wonder “How can I celebrate the holiday season when I have so many other things on my plate?’’ Most mesothelioma patients and caregivers already

feel stressed about their disease and treatment effects.

Their challenge is to try and enjoy the holiday season and take care of themselves physically

(877) 626-5916

Reflection and Tradition

The holidays are typically a time of reflection, especially those that fall at the end of the year. It is common for mesothelioma patients to wonder what the next year will hold for them.

Some people have cherished holiday traditions they feel obligated to preserve even if they have mesothelioma.

(877) 626-5916

Reflection & Tradition (cont.)

Some have distanced themselves from the idea that a holiday was meant to be free from work and a time of celebration.

Instead, we have developed false ideals of what a holiday should be: Keeping lots of social obligations, lists of things to buy and tasks to complete.

When mesothelioma patients and their caregivers have less time and energy than they used to have, it becomes more important to redefine what is truly important to celebrate during the holiday season.

(877) 626-5916

What Do Holidays Mean to You?

Ideally, the holidays are a time to catch up with family and friends, share food and drink with loved ones, celebrate religious traditions and exchange gifts.

It’s important to ask yourself “What do I find meaningful during the holiday season?” and “What are my fondest memories of this time of year throughout my life?”

(877) 626-5916

Tips to Avoid Overwhelming Yourself

Challenge the idea that you must do what you’ve always done during the holiday season.

(877) 626-5916

Simplify

Shopping: Avoid the malls and shop online or ask a loved one to pick up gifts while they are doing their own shopping.Take advantage of gift wrapping services (many

online stores will gift wrap and ship your gift directly to your loved one.

(877) 626-5916

Simplify (cont.)Cooking/baking: Let go of the idea that a meal is

only special if everything is homemade.Meals from the deli or grocery stores are readily

availablePotluck meals for family celebrationsEat out

(877) 626-5916

Socializing

Social events: Don’t feel obligated to accept every invitation you receive.Save your energy for those activities with the most

meaning for you.Give yourself a pass this year if you typically host a

holiday celebration and you aren’t up for it.

(877) 626-5916

Staying Healthy

Holiday season coincides with the start of the cold and flu season.Don’t be afraid to ask a friend or a loved one who

is sick to keep some distance, wear a mask and use hand sanitizer.

Chemo can compromise immune systems and pleural mesothelioma patients may already struggle with breathing challenges.

(877) 626-5916

Space to Rest

If you are visiting someone for just an afternoon or several days, ask if there is a place you can retire to and rest if you feel tired or need some privacy if you are not feeling well.

(877) 626-5916

Family Dynamics

If you look very different (weight change or hair loss) since you last saw a loved one, let them know in advance so that they are prepared.

Ask for help when you need it. Many times loved ones want to help make your life easier.

Expect that emotions will be closer to the surface during the holidays.

(877) 626-5916

Stress Arises from Expectations

If we are able to let go of or relax our expectations about what we should do during the holiday season and re-focus on what is truly important and meaningful to us, then the holidays can be enjoyable when you or a loved one has mesothelioma.

(877) 626-5916

Contact Information

1-877-626-5916

(877) 626-5916

Facebook.com/themesocenter

@TheMesoCenter