• Suppose you or a family member are struggling with a physical health issue. In that case, you or they could be a vulnerable target for being taken advantage of financially or at risk of sexual, physical and mental exploitation or abuse. If you are worried about yourself, you can ask for help from your local Adult Protective Services, medical providers or any local crisis line.
• If you are worried about a family member or friend, many local social service agencies can help by assigning case managers or navigators to review needs. The Guardianship or payee services process is also available after legal involvement and can give a third-party agency control of getting bills paid and managing money. In addition, Be Connected offers a needs assessment by caring, skilled, and trained staff and can Connect Arizona service members, veterans, families to information, support, and appropriate resources, following an assessment. Please call Be Connected at 866-4AZVETS (866-429-8387) for additional assistance.

Struggling with health issues or a newly diagnosed health condition can be frightening and leave you feeling irritable, sad, worried, stressed, and sometimes, with anxiety and depression. However, you can take steps to improve your mental health despite the ongoing uncertainty of the situation. Stay physically active if your health allows, sleep, eat well, and drink plenty of water. Schedule time to worry instead of worrying all day, and find solace in connecting with your loved ones and friends. Join a support group and seek education around the health condition to help answer your questions about treatment options and ways forward. If you’re experiencing a decline in mental health that has you concerned, or your strategies aren’t working to improve your mood, then seek support. Some services can include supportive crisis counseling, education and the development of coping skills.

Set boundaries between yourself and the other person. You’re not responsible for anyone’s happiness, and while you can be there to help them, your priority is first. Be careful not to become immersed with the needs of others, and forget to take into account your emotional and physical health. Make sure you eat a healthy diet, get enough rest or exercise, which all work together to maintain the energy needed to provide care and support for others.

Everything changes when you learn you have or are managing a physical health issue. It’s important to remember there’s no “right” or “wrong” way to respond. Give yourself time to process the news and be kind to yourself as you adjust to your new situation. Trying to ignore your feelings will only increase stress and maybe even delay recovery. Be patient with the pace of treatment and recovery. After receiving an initial diagnosis or suffering a major health event, it can take time with tests and consultations before your medical team settles on an appropriate course of treatment. Finally, don’t scour the Internet and rely on what can often be inaccurate or scary information.

Choose the support that’s right for you. Struggling with your physical health diagnosis or after a recent health event, choose someone to confide in and lean on. Look for support from friends and loved ones who are good listeners. Think about joining a support group, which can allow for a safe place to talk about what you’re going through. You may also learn new coping tips from others who are undergoing similar medical problems. There are also many peer support programs where you can receive support from someone who has firsthand experience of what you’re experiencing and can help you navigate any treatment options, resources, and needs.