Helplines in Fiji.

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

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 2 helplines in Fiji who you can confide in when you feel:

• That you are powerless, hopeless or burdensome.
• Regret or shame about what you may have done to cause or deserve your illness.
• Isolated from those who don’t comprehend your discomfort or the seriousness of your condition.
• Anger and disbelief about your diagnosis, and constantly asking yourself, “why me?”
• Worry that you are a burden and no longer as active or capable as before.
• Worried about how you’ll look after your family when you are sick, you lose your job, or become disabled.
• Cut off from your family and friends who cannot understand what you are going through.
• Afraid about the uncertainty of life and the pain you may feel from your symptoms.

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 Fiji 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.