We've all been there. It's the holiday season and we feel like there's so much to do and so little time to do it. On top of that, now there is a mesothelioma diagnosis thrown in. You or someone close to you is dealing with a life-threatening disease. So how do you keep the perspective about the holiday season? Or how do you not feel guilty about enjoying the holidays while coping with cancer? We'll talk share ideas about getting through this hectic and emotional time of year despite the added weight of asbestos cancer.

1. Coping with Mesothelioma
during the Holidays
Dana Nolan MS, LMHC, NCC
Mental Health Counselor

2. Holidays + Mesothelioma =
Under normal circumstances, many people find
the holiday season to be filled with:
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Too much to eat
Too many gifts to buy
Too many social obligations
Too much to do, in general!
Adding a mesothelioma diagnosis into the
mix only makes it feel more overwhelming
and stressful.
(800) 615-2270

3. Common emotions for mesothelioma
patients/families during the holidays
 Excitement
 Worry
 Exhaustion
 Happiness
 Fear of the unknown
(800) 615-2270

4. Good Stress vs. Bad Stress
 Eustress = Good stress
 Distress = Bad stress
 When our obligations/responsibilities
OUTWEIGH our perceived ability to meet
those obligations, we feel distress!
(800) 615-2270

5. Expectations
 Memories of holidays past
 What we see on TV/movies
 What other family/friends do
What is REALISTIC for you!
(800) 615-2270

6. Realistic Expectations
 Adjusting our holiday plans and expectations can
help you minimize holiday stress when you or
someone you love has mesothelioma.
 Review your memories of holidays past and make a
list of the events, traditions, gatherings that you have
enjoyed.
 Pick just a few of the more manageable and
meaningful events or traditions and try to schedule
time for those and let go of the rest.
(800) 615-2270

7. Strategies to Manage Stress during the
Holidays
Don’t give up your “Me” time...
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Walks/exercise
Social time
Pedicure
Watching Football
Reading
Video games
Vegging out in your “Snuggie”
(800) 615-2270

8. Contact Information
1-800-615-2270
(800) 615-2270