Create your support team

Surrounding yourself with the right people can make a real difference to improving your quality of life. While your family and friends will always be there, speaking to others who are in a similar situation as you, for instance, may help you get answers to the questions you’re most worried about.
 

Here are some support networks that you may want to consider.
 

• Family and friends. Without a doubt, your friends and family will rally together to support you and help as necessary.
• Healthcare professionals. Your local doctor (GP), specialist doctor, and rehabilitation team (including your physiotherapist) will form the nucleus of this support group. A psychologist, counsellor or therapist can help you to make sense of your condition and offer strategies to help you through the changes. Seeking the support and advice from your integrative medicine team, as well as your pharmacist and medical professionals, can help you to feel informed and empowered throughout your condition and following your illness.
• Additional assistance. If budget permits a cleaner, gardener, social worker and night/home-nurse can assist while you are at home and reduce the load on you, your friends and family.
• Support organisations and networks. Joining organisations that offer peer support groups may enable you to share your experiences with others going through a similar circumstance.
• Your Power of Attorney and nominated representatives. This person or people are trusted individuals that you choose to appoint in the event that you are unable to either make decisions or take action yourself.
   

Depending on your illness and how long you anticipate it impacting your life, you might like to consider giving selected professionals permission to discuss your situation directly to help with an over-arching, comprehensive approach to your recovery.