Caregivers of people with cancer can feel alone even around people who care about them.

They may feel separated from their usual work or social activities. Their loved one’s illness or treatment may keep them from their usual life.

It is common to feel a sense of sadness or separation from others who seem to be going about their everyday lives. These feelings can happen during or after treatment.

You may feel that no one understands what you are going through. This is a very hard emotion to cope with.

You love the person you are caring for, but you may feel that you had little choice in becoming a caregiver. You are doing everything possible to care for your loved one, yet you both may feel lonely.

This is common. You are not alone in feeling frustrated or helpless.

It is important to keep supporting your loved one, while finding resources that help you connect with others.

People who do not have a large support network may be at greater risk for depression and stress-related illnesses.

If you feel that you do not have enough support, ask your health care team for help. Feeling lonely is a normal reaction to stress and supporting someone with cancer. Often, these feelings fade with time.

Extreme or prolonged feelings of loneliness or social isolation can lead to depression. This can make it hard to participate actively in your daily life and support your loved one.

How to Manage Feeling Lonely or Isolated

Find someone to talk to. This could be a family member, friend, social worker, or support group.

Let the health care team know if you do not have a big support system to help. There are community programs that can help you feel less isolated.

Speak to a therapist with experience working with cancer. There is nothing shameful about counseling. Many cancer survivors and their caregivers participate in counseling. It can reduce the stress cancer causes.

Consider prayer or spiritual support. Many people find prayer and religious/ spiritual guides to be a useful support tool.

Keep a journal to record and release your feelings.

If you feel so lonely and isolated that you have thoughts of suicide, help is available. You can call 9-1-1 or go to a nearby emergency room.

You can also contact the U.S. National Suicide Prevention Hotline at 800-273-8255 to be connected to help.

Cancer Support Community Resources

The Cancer Support Community’s (CSC) resources and programs are available free of charge. To access any of these resources call the Cancer Support Helpline below or visit http://www.CancerSupportCommunity.org/.

Cancer Support Helpline®—Have questions, concerns or looking for resources? Call CSC’s toll-free Cancer Support Helpline (888-793-9355), available in 200 languages Mon-Fri 9am-9pm ET and Sat-Sun 9am–5pm ET.

Open to Options®—Preparing for your next appointment? Our trained specialists can help you create a list of questions to share with your doctor. Make an appointment by calling 888-793-9355 or by contacting your local CSC or Gilda’s Club.

Frankly Speaking About Cancer®—Trusted information for cancer patients and their loved ones is available through publications, online, and in-person programs. http://www.CancerSupportCommunity.org/Get-Educated-Inspired.

Services at Local CSCs and Gilda’s Clubs—With the help of 170 locations, CSC and Gilda’s Club affiliates provide services free of charge to people touched by cancer. Attend support groups, educational sessions, wellness programs, and more at a location near you. http://www.CancerSupportCommunity.org/FindLocation.

MyLifeLine—CSC’s private, online community allows patients and caregivers to easily connect with friends and family to receive social, emotional, and practical support throughout the cancer journey and beyond.

Sign up at http://www.MyLifeLine.org/.

The Cancer Policy Institute’s (CPI) Grassroots Network—Become a part of a network of cancer advocates working to help improve the lives of cancer patients, survivors, and their loved ones.

Get up-to-date information on key issues that are important to the cancer community and opportunities to make your voice heard by U.S. policymakers on issues that affect people impacted by cancer.

As a Grassroots Network member you will also receive a monthly CPI newsletter, full of important information about current issues impacting patients, advocacy stories, upcoming events, resources, and more.

Sign up at http://www.CancerSupportCommunity.org/Become-Advocate.

Cancer Experience Registry®—Help others by sharing your cancer patient or cancer caregiver experience via survey at http://www.CancerExperienceRegistry.org/.

The Cancer Support Community provides this information as a service. This publication is not intended to take the place of medical care or the advice of your doctor.

We strongly suggest consulting your doctor or other health care professionals to answer questions and learn more.