How to Cope

Taking care of your own health and needs is important for yourself and your loved one living with leukemia or lymphoma. Here are a few tips to help you cope:

• Take care of your own health



• Schedule regular checkups for yourself.
• Eat a balanced diet.
• Get plenty of rest.
• Exercise regularly. Exercise can give you energy, burn off stress and improve your mood.
• Practice relaxation exercises. Deep breathing, meditation, prayer, and yoga can all help to reduce stress.
• Take some time for yourself. It helps to refresh you and better able you to care for your loved one.


• Stay organized
  Many caregivers also juggle jobs and families. Make a schedule with your family, and stick to it. Have others in your family commit to taking over responsibilities that you usually handle.



• Create a support system
  Family members, friends, and healthcare providers can help out by giving you a break or helping out with certain tasks. Keep a list of your support team members, times they are available to help out, and tasks that they are willing to help with.



• Set limits
  There is a limit to what you can do as a caregiver. Don’t be afraid to say “no” or ask for help for caring for your loved one when you are feeling overwhelmed.



• Seek help for yourself
  As a caregiver, you may deal with an array of emotions, including fear, anger, sadness, loneliness, and guilt. These are all normal emotions. Talking through your feelings with a trusted friend, clergy member, counselor, or in a support group can help you cope with your feelings.

In some cases, it may be necessary to seek professional help, particularly when you are suffering from depression or stress overload. You should contact your doctor if you notice any of these signs:

• Excessive anger toward your loved one, your family, or even yourself
• Social withdrawal
• Anxiety
• Too much or not enough sleep
• Irritability
• Chronic health problems (like having a constant cold)
• No interest in activities you usually enjoy
• Feeling sad or depressed all of the time
• Crying easily for no reason
• Feeling worthless or guilty
• Changes in appetite or in weight
• Trouble with memory or concentration
• Headaches, backaches, or stomachaches
• Thoughts of death or suicide

For more suggestions for how to cope, visit the following Web sites:

People Living With Cancer - www.peoplelivingwithcancer.org: Provides a section for caregivers, including a number of helpful articles and resources.

American Association of Retired People (AARP) www.aarp.org/life/caregiving: Devotes a section of their Web site to helpful articles about issues caregivers face.

This Web site is sponsored by the law firm of Baron & Budd, P.C. Please understand that the information provided is not legal advice, but is simply offered as a resource to help you learn about leukemia, lymphoma and benzene.

Benzene can cause leukemia and lymphoma and other blood cancers and disorders. If you have been diagnosed with leukemia or lymphoma cancer and would like information about your legal rights, please call us at 800-946-9646 or e-mail us at

Please also visit our glossary for helpful definitions of medical terms relating to the diagnosis and treatment of leukemia and lymphoma.