A lot of people struggle to ask for help when they’re having a hard time, but when you’re seriously sick or injured, it can be even harder to articulate your needs. After all, when you’re sick or hurt, your pain and fatigue can take up all of your energy, and you may feel really overwhelmed. So, what can you do to make sure you’re getting the help you need?
1. Talk To Your Doctor
One of the best things you can do when trying to evaluate what support you’ll need during your treatment and recovery is to talk to your doctor. Your doctor can help you understand your course of treatment, how long you’ll be out of commission, and if you need any special tools, equipment, or additional specialists to help you along.
Based on these insights and any specified restrictions, such as whether or not you’ll be able to drive, you’ll be better able to ask for the help you need.
2. Consider A Caregiver
If you’re facing significant limitations due to your health problems, such as bed rest or other mobility restrictions, medication infusions or other extensive medication regimens, or if you’re experiencing serious brain fog, fatigue, or memory problems, your doctor may recommend that you hire a home health care professional.
Unfortunately, many people feel uncomfortable having a stranger in their home when they’re feeling vulnerable.
One alternative to working with a trained home health professional from an agency is to choose a program that allows a friend or family member to be trained and paid to work as a caregiver for you.
This is great if you have a support system that’s willing to help out, but may not be able to take time away from paid work to do so. It’s also more comfortable for people, especially if you need help with tasks like bathing.
3. Set Boundaries
Some people struggle to find enough people to support them when they’re sick or injured. Others, though, are overwhelmed by all the friends who stream through the door, interrupting their rest or saying insensitive or poorly-timed things.
If you’re in the latter group, it’s important that you learn to set boundaries. You might ask one friend to field phone calls about visitors or set up a spreadsheet of what you need, such as bringing a meal or doing a load of laundry. Remember, even when you need help, you’re allowed to feel overwhelmed, to ask for space, or tell people they can’t visit.
Everyone copes with illness differently, and how much and what type of support you need will vary based on your age, family structure, and other matters. We see this often – a young person with a healthy spouse who needs a few weeks or months of added support can often rely on their own strength and household to push through, while an elderly person living alone might not be able to.
Most importantly, though, you need to be self-reflective, to understand your needs and preferences, and to consider these issues before you’re facing a crisis. Knowing what you want can make a world of difference.
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