Helplines in France.

Are you struggling to cope with a physical illness? Contact a helpline in France for support.

The news and reality of a physical illness can have a disruptive impact on your life. You may have trouble doing things that seemed effortless before. You may feel alone, burdensome, or isolated from your friends and family. In France there are 10 helplines you can contact for support whenever you feel:

• Frustration and anger about the uncertainty and disabilities associated with your illness.
• Cut off from your family and friends who cannot understand what you are going through.
• Fear that you'll be defined by your medical condition, instead of who you really are.
• Regret or shame about what you may have done to cause or deserve your illness.
• Depression about the life you've lost, things you cannot do, and places you cannot go.
• That you can no longer be a valuable member of your family or social group.
• That you are struggling to cope with the unpredictable or disabling aspects of your illness.
• Unable to cope mentally or emotionally with the pain and discomfort you feel.

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 France 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.