Helplines in Belgium.

Battling to come to grips with a physical illness? Get support from a free hotline in Belgium

A chronic, life-altering, or life-threatening diagnosis can come as a shock. The effects of physical illness may make it hard to maintain a positive mental, emotional and spiritual outlook. There are counselors and volunteers at 5 helplines in Belgium who you can confide in when you feel:

• Afraid of what the future holds, including the pain you may feel, disabilities or death.
• That you are struggling to cope with the unpredictable or disabling aspects of your illness.
• Isolated from those who don’t comprehend your discomfort or the seriousness of your condition.
• Regret or shame about what you may have done to cause or deserve your illness.
• Fear of future physical discomfort, pain, changes to your routine, and possibly death.
• That you are powerless, hopeless or burdensome.
• Anxiety, tension, fear, sadness and helplessness about your condition and what the future holds.
• Fear that you'll be defined by your medical condition, instead of who you really are.

Hospital visits, pain and disability can take an overwhelming toll on your emotions. Medication and prolonged periods of stress can make it hard to function and think clearly from day to day. You may feel isolated, burdensome and unable to cope.

Facing the challenges of physical illness requires strength that can sometimes only come through support. There are volunteers and counselors in Belgium who are waiting to hear your concerns and help you find the emotional strength and resilience within you. Asking for help doesn't mean you're weak – it shows that you are human.