Supporting Couple Relationships of Clients Living With Cancer

Good quality relationships matter for our health and well-being, particularly if we are struggling with an illness. As today is World Cancer Day, Ag Eisteacht would like to highlight the value of high quality supportive relationships to those who are living with cancer. 

Strong relationships have many positive health benefits, as they provide us with emotional support and increase our resilience. Good quality relationships can prevent illness, improve prognoses and improve recovery of illnesses[1]. A cancer diagnoses can have a major impact on relationships. Couples may need support at this time, as they might find it difficult to communicate how they feel, particularly if they do not want to upset or worry their partner. 

Those who work with people living with cancer may have the opportunity to provide relationship support and improve the quality of relationships. Listening to, and understanding the concerns that clients are expressing  about their relationship  can help a client feel understood.  This encounter and listening support helps many clients to acknowledge and deal with the issues they are experiencing and can help them to then support each other. 

Sources:

[1] Handly, S., et al. (2015) The Best Medicine, Relate UK & The National Parents Council