How can I help her to face the future weeks?
How can I help her to face the future weeks?
Good afternoon Spidersmumb79253,
Thanks for getting in touch and welcome to our online community.
My name’s Karla, I’m one of the Cancer Information Nurse Specialists on the Macmillan Support Line.
I’m glad you’ve reached out to us for help when your friend feels the way she does.
We’re really concerned that she feels suicidal. Suicide is a very final act and there’s no coming back from it.
People can have thoughts of suicide when the pain they feel is greater than the resources and support, they have to cope with it.
You can encourage your friend to talk and listen to them. And help to point them in the right direction for help.
The best thing for your friend to do is make an emergency appointment with her GP today to let them know how she’s feeling. If they don’t know she’s struggling, they can’t help. They can assess her and arrange mental health support.
If your friend is in immediate danger, the quickest way to get help is to call an ambulance on 999.
NHS 111 can also offer help urgently.
The Samaritans are a charity that supports anyone going through a difficult time. They offer support 24 hours a day. They are a listening ear. Your friend can contact them by phoning 116 123.
The charity MIND has good information about supporting someone who feels suicidal.
I hope this information helps to guide you. Sometimes it can be good to talk through what’s happening with us. On our helpline we offer a variety of support where you, or your friend, can talk through what’s going on.
Take care and best wishes,
Karla (Cancer Information Nurse Specialist)
You can also speak with the Macmillan Support Line team of experts. Phone free on 0808 808 0000 (7 days a week, 8am-8pm) or send us an email or use webchat.
Ref: KS/AMCG
Good afternoon Spidersmumb79253,
Thanks for getting back in touch.
With Geraldine being in hospital, hopefully that’ll make it a bit easier to get her mental health support.
Yes, it’s worthwhile letting the ward nurses know she feels suicidal.
It sounds like Geraldine’s cancer is growing faster than hoped. That’s a lot for her to try and get her head around.
I’m not sure what it means. It could be that any treatment she was receiving will stop. It could also mean no more treatment is possible.
A care package generally means support to help her at home. This may be carers that can help with things like getting washed and dressed. There may also be equipment that could make her life easier. And if she’s not been referred to the local community palliative care team, this will probably happen too.
I’m really glad she’s getting a visit from you. Continue to be the friend you always have been. Often the most important thing to do is just listen. And if she doesn’t feel like talking, that’s ok too. Just offer to listen whenever she’s ready. Our information on talking to someone with cancer might be helpful to read through.
I’m thinking about you both.
Don’t hesitate to get back in touch if you need anything.
Take care and best wishes,
Karla (Cancer Information Nurse Specialist)
You can also speak with the Macmillan Support Line team of experts. Phone free on 0808 808 0000 (7 days a week, 8am-8pm) or send us an email or use webchat.
Ref: KS/CC
