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Emotional wellbeing
Caring for someone with pulmonary fibrosis is different for everyone. Although there is no right or wrong way to feel, you can find ways that may help you cope.
Your emotional wellbeing can be affected by changes in the relationship dyanmic with the person you care for. Whether they are your husband, wife, grandparent, child, friend or neighbour, what you can give and receive from one another may alter. It may not be easy at first, but be open and honest with each other.
8/10 people say that caregiving strengthens their relationships.1
Caring for someone with pulmonary fibrosis can also be stressful at times—and that’s understandable.1,2
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Someone you love is experiencing pain, discomfort or distress
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The management of iIlnesses like pulmonary fibrosis can change.3 You will have to look out for any new symptoms or problems
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If you take on extra responsibilities, your day-to-day life will have to adapt
However, there are practical ways that can help you manage your own stress and wellbeing. These simple changes don’t take much time but can make a big difference to how you feel.
“Never cope alone as a carer there is always someone there to listen and understand how you feel”
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AP-NORC. Long-Term Care in America: Expectations and Reality. The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research, 2014.
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Schultz R and Sherwood P. Physical and mental health effects of family caregiving. Am J Nurs. 2008 September;108(9 Suppl):23–7.
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Nakayama A, et al. Patients’ perspectives and experiences living with systemic sclerosis: A systematic review and thematic synthesis of qualitative studies. J Rheumatol. 2016;43: 1363–75.
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Emotional support
Carer support group
“I see my daughter trying to deal with the problems that I have, and she finds the balance to help me and then to study. She's doing very well and I'm very proud of her”
